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AN AMERICAN PASHA. 



gltt #noittal (Slomcay, 



IN THREE ^.OTS. 



By WILLIAM C REYNOLDS. 

(Revised by the Author.) 



Copyright, 1,881 ; 1883, by William C. Reynolds. 

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AUTHOR'S COPY. 

From WM. C. REYNOLDS, 

115 Monroe St.^ Chicago- 




CHICAGO : 
THE CHICAGO LKGAL NEWS CO., PRINTERS. 

1883. 



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CHARACTERS. 



William Cortland, known as Arthur Sennett, An Officer of the 

Khedive's Army. (Light Comedy lead.) 
John Cortland, A Retired Merchant. (First 01 1 Man.) 
Clarence Lee, His Confidential Secretary. An adventurer. 
Frank Thorne, One of the gildedyouth of Gotham. (First Juvenile.) 
Puppendorp Fogg, Esq., Attorney at Law (Eccentric Comedy.) 
Jefferson, A colored Servant. 

Patience Cortland, A Lady of uncertain age. (First Old Woman.) 
Dora Cortland, Aged 18. (First Juvenile.) 
Caroline Ely, Dora's Cousin, aged 22. (Leading Lady.) 



SCENE. 



The Cortland Mansion, New York. Present Time. 
Act I. — In the Drawing Room. 
Act II. — In the Conservatory. 
Act III. — In the Library. 

(2) 



T.MP96-007135 



A'N AMEEIOAI^ PASHA. 



ACT I. 



SCENE — Drawwg-Room, elegantly furmshed. Ornaments on man- 
tel, c. Over mantel, portrait of a beautiful tcontan. Doors, c. 
R. and L. Wide doorivaj/, 2 R. Windoics, 2 and 3 l., and 
cabinet between. Piano, 5r. Stands, with statuettes and flow- 
ers. Center table, sofa, chairs, etc. 

Dora, discovered u-riting. at center table, and Caroltke on sofa, L. 
front, reading a }tewspaper. 

Dora. 0, Carrie! do put aside that paper and help me with these 
tiresome invitations. 

Caroline. 1 will be happy to write them for yon, if you'll give me 
a list of the names. 

Dora. But that is just the difficulty. I can not decide whom to 
invite. We haven't had a party of any kind since dear Mamma died, 
and this old list is of scarcely any use to me. 

Car. Well, dear, I would be glad to assist you; but as I have been 
here only a few weeks, and have not half learned the mystery of 
New York society, "I hardly see my way clear," as Aunt Patience 
says. 

Dora [viracionsly). Isn't Aunt Patience the most absurd creature 
that was ever invented ? 

Car. My dear Dora, you ought not to speak so of our Aunt. She 
is a good, kind soul. 

Dora. Oh, yes! she is good enough, but she is so absurd. I be- 
lieve she is setting her cap for that ridiculous Mr. Fogg, who pulled 
her out of the river. 

Car. Aunt Patience? 

Dora. Yes, I've been watching her. I wish you had been with us 
when she tumbled off the ferry. You would have cried with laughing. 
Souse! she went, holding Fido in one hand, and an umbrella in the 
other. Then Mr. Fogg jumped in and grabbed her, and her chignon 
came off, and she was all dripping, and looked too ridiculous for 
anything. 

Car. And could you laugh when she was in such danger? 

Dora. Oh, not at first, of course; but she was pulled out right 
away; and then to hear her address that shabby attorney (who 
looked like a drowned rat), as "My brave deliverer," "My pre- 
server!" was just too funny. 

Car. Of course she would feel grateful to the poor man. 

(3) 



4 AN AlIEEICAN TASIIA. 

Dora. But grratitude is not a continuing' sentiment, and Annt's 
feelings toward the "poor man " seem to grow wiirmer every day 
(writing). But I must not talk, or I'll never finish these invitations. 
What shall I do about the Higginbothams? 

Car. Are they the people whom Mrs. Camelshair compared to the 
measles, because everyone has them, sooner or later? 

DoKA. Yes, only they are worse than the measles, because, when 
you have had them once, you're sure to have them again. 

Car. Here is a paragraph about Maj. Sennett, whom Mr. Thorne 
promised to introduce to us. 

Dora. Read it, please. 

Car. (reading). " Major Arthur Sennett is at the "Windsor hotel. 
This distinguished officer was chief-ot-staff during Col. Goi don's 
campaigns in Egypt; and, more recently, exhibited hei-oic bravery at 
Alexandria and Tel el Keber. He enjoys the personal friendship and 
confidence of the Khedive, and his present visit is upon an important 
mission looking to the colonization of the high table lands in Upper 
Egypt." 

Dora. It would be nice to have such a man for one's lover or 
brother. Everybody one meets is so dreadfully common-place. 

Car. Have you never heard anything of your own brother, Dora? 

Dora. Not for ages. You know it is a dozen years since he ran 
away. Mamma never ceased to hope and pray for him, but Papa 
never speaks of him. It seems as thongh he had vanished forever. 
Enter Cortland, i,. u. 

CoRT. My dear, have you seen Mr Lee this morning? 

Dora. No, Papa. 

CoRT. Let me know as soon as he comes in. I am anxious to con- 
fer with him. 

Dora. Yes, Papa. (Cort. ttirns to go.) Don't go away just yet. 
I shall go shoppmg presently, and you must please give me some 
money. 

CoRT. But you can draw a check for yourself, my dear. 

Doha ( jumping lip). This doesn't come out of n;y allowance. It 
is an assessment for the party — " campaign expenses," as Frank 
calls them. 

Cort. And how much of an assessment does my little girl levy, 
this time? 

Dora. Well, Papa, I will make it easy for you. It shall be paya- 
ble in installments, like the calls on your horrid mining stocks, and 
such things. Three hundred dollars will be enough for to-day. 

Cort. That is a considerable sum. At your age I hadn't so much 
money in the world. 

Dora. At my age yon didn't have any daughter, either. Now, that 
you have me, and plenty of money besides, you ought to be thankful. 

Cort. (caressing her). And what will you buy to-day? 

Dora. Lots of pretty things. 

Cort. What, for example? 

Dora. How can I tell, until I look around ? Carrie will help me, 
you know. 

Cort. Well, dear, you shall have the money. Send Mr. Lee to 
me when he comes in. 

Exit, li. u. 

Dora (resuming writing). Carrie, will you tell me somtthing? 

Car. Yes, if I can. 

Dora. Well, then, tell me the worst thing you ever did. 



ACT I. 



Cak. What an idea! 

DoKA. Did j'ou ever have a terrible secret? 

Car. {agitated}. Why, what makes you think 



Dora {laughing). Of course .you didn't. You are such a goodey, 
that I believe you never had an ill-regulated impulse in your life. 

Enter Jeff, 2d r. 

•Tefp. a bouquet for Miss Dora {giving it). 

Dora, {reading card). "With the compliments of Mr. Thorne." 
{Exit Jeff.) It is just twenty-three days since Frank returned from 
college, and this is his twenty-third bouquet. 

Car. He seems pretty far gone. 

Dora. I wish he was gone farther. Then he couldn't come here 
sixteen times a day. {Reflectively.) But, perhaps, the poor boy 
wants to improve his mind. {Futs bouquet on stam/, 3d L.) 
Enter Patience, 2 R., leading a small spa)iiel. 

Patience. Oh ! here you are, girlo. I want to advise with you 
about my party dress. 

Dora. Frank says there's " no vice so mean as advice." Still, if 
you want my opinion, it shall be furnished to order. 

Pat. {sitting r., takes dog into her lap). Do be serious, Dora. It 
has given me a sight of trouble to decide what to wear. At Ar- 
nold & Constable's I saw a beautiful sky-blue silk, which, I think, 
would be becoming, made up with maroon-colored trimmings. 

Dora. Oh, horrors ! 

Car. I think. Auntie, that you must let Dora select your dress, as 
it is her birth-day party. 

Pat. Well, suit yourselves, girls, and you will suit me. I am 
thankful that I am not one of those that are vain of their personal 
appearance. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is better than 
jewels and fine dresses, isn't it, Fido, my pet? {caressing the spaniel.) 

Dora. Does one really get attached to a little animal like that, or 
is it only make believe? 

Pat. Certainly, I am attached to him. 

Dora. Which do you like best, Fido or Mr. Fogg? 

Pat. {with dignitg). You ought to remember that it is owing to 
Mr. Fogg that you still have an Aunt to watch over you. 

Dora {aside). An Aunt who never sees* anything! — It was very 
good of him, I'm sure. 

Pat. {rising). I'm expecting him here presently. I sent for him 
to consult upon some legal business. 

Dora. You never used to have any legal business before you knew 
Mr. Fogg. What is the matter? 

Pat. I have long wished to advise with some discreet lawyer about 
my affairs; but lawyers are, generally, so unsympathetic and hard. 
Now, Mr. Fogg is not that way at all; he is quite — 

Dora. Soft! 

Pat. No, my dear; not soft. But he is very kind and considerate. 
He is the soul of honor; and I feel thai I can trust him with 
my whole heart. (Dora makes grimaces aside to Carrie.) 

Jeff, {at door). Mr. Thorne. 

Enter Thorne, 2d r. 

Thorne. Good morning, ladies. Miss Cortland, your obedient 
servant {turning to Dora and Carrie). I just called to remind you 
of your engagement to ride this evening {crossing). 

Dora. We'll be ready, Frank. Here's your invitation to my birth- 
day party. You must come early. 



b AN AMERICAN PASIIA, 

Thorne (singing). "I always answer to my party's call." 

Dora (interrupting). Don't be absurd. It is to be on ray eight- 
eenth birth-day, and I come out at the same time. 

Pat. Where I was raised, the "' come outers " were people who 
renounced all the pomps and vanities of this wicked world. 

Thorne. While here, they are maidens who are just ready to 
embrace them. 

Car. When are you going to introduce your friend, Maj. Sennett, 
to us, Mr. Thorne? 

Thorne. Whenever you please. By the way, I just left him at 
his hotel. I might have brought him along. 

Dora. Then you had better go right back and bring him. I want 
to capture this African lion, and secure him for my party. 

Car. With such splendid knight-errants, at this day, I wonder 
that any one should say the age of chivaliy is past. 

Dora. I suspect that Carrie " wishes heaven had made her such a 
man." 

Car. I wish that I were such a man ! Our lives seem so petty, com- 
pared with his world-wide career. 

Pat. I wonder why so many girls wish they were men, while I 
never heard any man wish he were a girl ? 

Thorne. ^Esop tells us, Miss Cortland, of a frog who tried to puff 
himself up and become an ox; but I never learned that the ox returned 
the compliment. 

Dora. You horrid egotist! 

Pat. I am sorry, Mr. Thorne, that you have so slight an opinion 
of your mother's sex. 

Thorne. I mean no disparagement. Each sex is the complement 
of the other. Man is the rough toiler; woman the beautilier and 
consoler. Man is the sturdy oak; woman the tender vine. 

Dora (gazing about vacantly). Where k an oak? I don't see any 
around here. 

Car. What do you consider the vine's mission? 

Thorne. To beautify the oak. 

Dora. I am sure it needs it enough. 

Pat. And suppose that your " tender vine "does not choose to 
cling to an oak, what is it to do then ? 

Thorne. In that case, I suppose it must sprawl about on the 
ground? 

Dora. Frank, you are detestable, this morning. 

Thorne. Ungrateful girl! You will be sorry, presently, for these 
cruel words. What would you say if I told you that I have just 
risked my life in your service ? 

Dora. That you had a vigorous imagination. 

Thorne. Then I won't tell you (going). And I must be off, or I 
may not find the Major. 

Dora. Please, hurry; that's a good boy. 

Thorne. Don't call me a "good boy." 

Dora. Shall I call you a bad one? 

Thorne. Don't call me names at all. 

Dora. I'm sure, boys are very useful in their way. They may not 
be "beautifiers" and "consolers," but they are splendid— for running 
errands ! 

Thorne. "I go— but I retui-n;" and I'll bring back your lion, 
dead or alive. (Exit Thorne, 2d r.) 

Pat. Please, come with me, Dora, and put your things to rights. 
They are all at sixes and sevens. 



ACT I. 7 

Dora. Yes, Auntie, I know, "in most admired disorder." 
Pat. Come along, Fido. {Exit with Dora, r. c.) 

Carrie sits musingly. Daring the next scene she has a timid, con- 
strained air, as though struggling against an overpowering 
influence. 

Enter Lee, 2d r. He stands regarding her tvithout speaking. 

Car. {Her hack towards him). Are you there, Clarence? 

Lee. Yes, dear. {Sits on stool, and takes her hand.) 

Car. {with effort; withdrawing her hand). Uncle wants to see you 
about soiue business. 

Lee. Do not begrudge me a few moments at your side. 'They are 
like "angels' visits" to me — "short and far between." 

Car. Why will you not speak to my uncle? 

Lee. He would not approve — 

Car. Surely, he has a right to know. I feel myself bad and un- 
grateful, whenever I look into his trusting eyes. 

Lee. There are enterprises on foot which will soon make my posi- 
tion sure. 

Car. Enterprises in which he is engaged? 

Lee. Yes. 

Car. I wish that he were not immersed in these business cares. He 
seems to grow visibly older, day by day. 

Lee. Everything will be right in a little while. 

Car. These things make me restless and unhappy. While every- 
thing is so uncertain, I think it would be better if — I think 
that — {hesitating). 

Lee {sternhf). Well, you think what? 

Car. That it might be better if what has passed between us were 
considered unsaid, and — 

Lee. Do you wish to withdraw from your engagement? 

Car. Yes — no — only for the present; until — 

Lee {rising). I had your plighted word! Will you tell me I was 
clinging to a rope of sand ? 

Car. {with painful emotion). I fear I have done wrong. 

Lee. And so you would cast aside my love as a plaything of which 
you have tired! There are girls, plenty of them, selfish, frivolous and 
heartless, to whom a new lover is only a new toy, to be presently 
broken and discarded. I can not believe you are one of these. I 
would stake my life — nay, I have staked my life — upon your sincerity 
and truth! 

Car. {appealinghj). I am not heartless! I am not insincere. For- 
give me if I pain you; but it might be happier even for you, if you 
were to forget me. 

Lee. To you perhaps it would not matter. For me it would wrench 
away all that makes existence dear. In after days, if you chance to 
think of the poor secretary, you might say to yom-self with a pitying 
smile, " Poor fellow, he was very fond of me!" And then he would 
be utterly forgotten; whilst he — his career destroyed, his life blasted — ' 
would drag a lengthening chain of bitter memories, and of a lost love! 

Car. Surely, you will not rest all your happiness upon me ? 

Lee. It does rest there! And sadly do I recognize the frail tenure 
by which I hold it. Mine has been a stormy life. I have wrestled 
and struggled through bitter years. At last I catch a glimpse of 
such happiness as I had never known; as I had not dreamed could 
e'er be mine. You shone upon my pathway, and gilded it with the 



8 ; AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

sunlight of vour presence. But even while it thrills me, I tremble 
lest it should fade away and the darkness settle down. 

Car. {musingli/). And this is love! 

Lee. Yes, this is love! — the passionate love of a care-worn and 
weary man. I have nothing else to offer you. You are young, 
rich, beautiful; and the world lies at your feet. I tread a rugged 
and thorny path, while yours is strewn with flowers. 

Car. Clarence, listen to me. Before I knew you, there were many 
who sought me — an orphan and an heiress — but I encouraged none 
of them. Then you cam^. Of your character, of your personal 
history, T knew nothing. But presently, I found myself dominated 
by an influence I can neither understand nor resist. Your volition, 
even at a distance, benumbs and controls me. By a wave of the hand 
you can bend me to your will. This influence fascinates, while it 
terrifies me. I believe that I love — {shivering) — I know that 1 fear 
—you. 

Lee. Why should you fear ? 

Car. "Perfect love, " it is said, "casteth out fear." Buthowcan that 
love be perfect which is nursed in concealment and yields but'sorrow '? 

Lee. I WcVs an idiot to put my heart into your keeping! If you 
.shatter the idol that I have worshipped: if you make bare this altar 
{striking his breast), in which your image sits enshrined; if you shall 
say to me, "Go, poor fool, your hopes are vain, your devotion a mock- 
ery, your cherished love is only an idle dream," I shall drag myself 
away, like a wounded animal, to await in solitude and misery the last 
inevitable i-elease. It may be sport to you, but to me it is death! 

Car. Why do you distress me ? Forget what I said just now. You 
have my promise. 

Lee. Then, fulfill that promise! Give me this proof of your devo- 
tion. Become my wife. 

Car. Why, yes, surely, in due time — 

Lee. No, at once, now ! 

Car. And my Uncle? 

Lee. Will accept me afterwards. 

Car. 0, Clarence! you do not know what you are asking. Give 
myself to a man secretly, as though I were ashamed of him! Never, 
nev — 

Lee. Hold! No more, {Bi/ amotion he arrests her speech, and 
she passes into a magnetic sleep. He continues, in a calmer tone.) 
You know nothing of my character? It has naught to redeem it ex- 
cept my love for you. Of my personal history? It is a record of 
shame. But tell me that the past is dead; that you are my own; and 
that the future belongs to us together? 

Car. " I know not. I care not, what guilt's in thy heart. 
I know that I love thee, whatever tuou art." 

Lee {earnestly). Then love can create, as well as destroy; it can 
atone for the errors of forgotten years? 

Car. It will atone. 

Lee. And you will believe in me? You will not seek to enter the 
forbidden chamber of my past life ? 

Car. "Love is blind," they say. He should be blind to the faults 
of the beloved. 

Lee. Will you follow wherever I lead ? 

Car. Whitber thou goest, I will go. 

Lee. Without question; without reproaching me ? 

Car. Without reproach; without question. 



ACT I. 9 

Lee {seizing her hand). Beautiful one! Let me dedicate my life 
to you. Transform and mould me into your own likeness. 

Car. "At eventide it shall be light." {He kisses her hand pas- 
sionately, then starts from her.) 

Lee. Why do I linger in this fool's paradise? If she were mine, 
she would grow into my likeness; not myself into hers. But can she 
ever be really mineV Turn where 1 will, the spectre of the past pur- 
sues me, and will not down. 

Car. "At eventivle it shall be light.'" 

Lee {startled). Is this prophetic for us both V Or is it only she who 
will stand in the light while I am in the shadow? (Dok.\-/s heard 
siiif/inff outside,. Lee touches Carrie quickJi/.) Waken! (Carrie 
wakes, with a dazed expression.) 

En'er Dora, 2 r. 

Dora, Carrie, dear, it is time to dress. We are going out, you 
know. 

Car. {risinf/). Yes, darling, I will come. 

.Jeff, {announcing). Mr. Fogg. 

Enter YoGd, 2(\.Vi. He wears a shalby black suit and rusty icig. 

Fogg. Good morning, young ladies. {Turns to Jeff.) Please 
present this card to Miss Cortland — Miss Patience Cortland, the old 
lady; {exit Jeef) that is course, 1 don't mean the old lady, but the 
more elderly Miss Cortland {crosses). Your A\mt, Miss Dora, can not 
be called old, you know, but she is somewhat older than you are. 
{Smiles constrainedly., tripes his face, drops hat, picks it up 
hurriedly, and sits doirn.) 

Dora. I hope people do see some difference between us. 

Fogg. Very much so, yes. I received a note from your aunt request- 
ing me to call on business; 'hem — a business appointment. I hope I 
haven't disturbed you. 

Lee. I have lingered too long. Miss Ely. I attend your uncle. 
{Exit, L. c Carrie bows slightly, and exit 2d r.) 

Dora. You have quite neglected us, lately. Why haven't you 
been to see us? 

Fogg. Well. Miss Dora, I am not a society man. In the haunts of 
fashion I should not be a success. The Muses and Graces did not 
preside over my education, and so — 

Dora. You may be sure that the gentleman who saved my aunt's 
life will always be welcome here. 

Fogg. Don't mention that little service. It was of no consequence. 
That is — of course, T don't mean to say it was of no consequence, bub 
it isn't worth speaking about. 

Dora. Oh, Mr. Fogg, you're too modest, by half. 

Fogg [seriously). You are quite right, Miss Dora; I am. That is 
what has kept me back in my profession. Some cynic has remarked that 
"A successful lawyer must have a bad heart and a good digestion." 
My heart is not bad — quite the reverse — and my digestion, I fear, ia 
rather poor. 

Dora. Aunt is a great medicine woman. You must let her give 
you something for your dyspepsia. {Gather! )ig up letters.) If you 
will excuse me, I'll see what detains her. Here is an invitation to 
my birth-day party {giving it). You must be sure and come, or Aunt 
will be dreadfully disappointed. We want you to lead the German. 
{Exit Dora, 2d r.) 

YoQG (sohi.<i). " Lead the German!" I wonder what German, and 
what he needs to be led for? {Looking at his tvatch) Perhaps I came 



10 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

too soon. Her note said 2 o'clock, and it's not quite 3 yet. This 
promptitude may lead her to infer that 1 am not overwhelmed with 
business — an inference which would be quite correct, and is, therefore 
not to be tolerated. My introduction to Miss Cortland opens a legal vista 
of profitable connections. That secretary looked rather sourly upon 
me, as though he feared I might trespass upon his preserves. I 
don't like the appearance of that fellow. He has a kind of defaulting 
look in his left eye. 

Enter Patience, 2 R., with Fido.* 

Pat. Good morning, dear Mr. Fogg. 

Fogg. Good morning, Madame. On receipt of your commands I 
adjourned all other engagements, and hastened hither as rapidly as a 
somewhat broken-winded animal could bring me. 

Pat. You are very kind. Be seated, if you please. {They sit.) 
I am ashamed to trouble you with my business in the midst of your 
important affairs. 

Fogg. I shall be delighted if I can be of any service. 

Pat. Well, Mr. Fogg, I have sent for you to draw — at least, to 
confer with you about making my will. 

Fogg. Admirable foresight! Every woman ought to have "a will 
of her own" — you catch the idea? — at least, if she has anything to 
bequeath. If she hasn't, it isn't of much consequence. 

Pat. Some people have a notion that making a will hastens one's 
death. 

Fogg. The effect is just the opposite, my dear madame {e('lginci to- 
icard her.) One's conscience is thereby satisfied, the nerves are quieted ; 
and the possessor of a will, duly executed and attested, lies down to 
rest with no consciousness of duty unperformed. 'Tis as good as an 
accident insurance policy! 

Pat. Well, I have been thinking that I ought to leave my little 
fortune to those who have the best claims upon it. 

Fogg {taking out a no! e-book). I await your instructions. Oh! 
excuse me a moment. {He feels about ]iis pockets.) 

Pat. What is the matter? 

Fogg. I'm a man of very regular habits, and at three o'clock 
every day I'm accustomed to take some digestive pills. I must have 
mislaid the box somewhere. 

Pat. Were they homoepathic pills? 

Fogg. Yes. It is very vexatious. 

Pat. Why, I have some homoepathic pills; I take them for my 
nerves. Won't you try some of them? {offering bottle). 

Fogg. Thank you {takes some;. Now, in regard to this will, you 
were saying — 

Pat. First, I give to my niece, Dora, five hundred dollars, as a 
token of affection. 

Fogg {writing). Dora, five hundred dollars. 

Pat. And to my niece, Caroline, five hundred dollars. Of course 
this is merely a remembrance; but as each of tie dear girls will have 
a fortune of her own, they need nothing from me. 

Fogg. .Just so {writing). Five hundrec''^ 

Pat The rest of my estate I wish to leave — ahem! — to a gentle- 
man whom it will, perhaps, greatly surprise, but whom I consider 
most worthy to receive it. 

*NoTE.— The scenes between Fopg and Patience shouM be played as Comedy, 
and not as Farce. The characters must bii taken suriously, or tliey will be 
completely spoiled. 



ACT I. 11 

Fogg. He'll excuse the surprise, ma'am. 

Pat. I'm glad to hear you say ^o; it makes it somewhat easier to 
confess. Surely, Mr. Fogg, you must know whom I mean ? 

Fogg. Can't imagine, I'm sure, unless it is your pastor. Ladies, 
sometimes, have a tendency that way. 

Pat. Oh, no! Mr. Fogg, he, he! He is a very worthy man, but he 
is already mar — That is to say, it isn't my pastor. 

Fogg. Well, who is the fortunate individual? Give him a name, 
Miss Cortland, give him a name. 

Pat. It is a person to whom I am most deeply indebted. 

Fogg. I wasn't aware that you were m debt. 

Pat. Not in money. But there are services which money cannot 
measure or repay. {Gushingly) I owe my life to you, and I wish to 
mark my sense of the oblijiation! 

Fogg. Me! Leave your money to me! That is quite out of the 
question. 

Pat. 0, do not say so. Be.sides, you are bound to follow my in- 
structions. 

Fogg [shutting note-hook). If I were to draw such a will it would 
be set aside bj your heirs. It wouldn't be worth a last year's al- 
manac. 

Pat. They would respect my wishes, especially as there is so ob- 
vious a consideration. 

Fogg. If you refer to our cold bath, I did nothing that a New- 
foundland dog could not have done better. 

Pat. You are cruel! {Puts handkerchitf to eijes.) I did think 
that your heroic effort had a higher impulse than mere pity. 

Fogg (aside). Hang it! she's going to cry. It had, Miss Cortland, 
it had. And I am proud to have rescued the kindest and most worthy 
of her sex. 

Pat. Then it is not from coldness and indifference that you refuse 
my bequest? Ah! {Pitts hands suddenly to chest.) 

Fogg {aside). Confound it! she's going to faint. 'Where are those 
pills? {fumbles for them). Here, take some pills. {Puts them in 
her moutli with his fingers, and. sits l>eside her.) Leaii^n me for a 
minute. Do you feel any better? 

Pat. {gasping). At least, we will always be good friends, shall we 
not? 

Fogg. Why, yes — certainly; the best of friends. 

Pat. {hysterically). And you will never desert me? 

Fogg. 0, never. You may command my life's devotion, 

Pat. {faintly). Then, you really love me a little? 

YoGa {embarrassed). Love you? Why, I suppose so — of course — 
I can't help myself— that is to say, I can't help loving you. 

Pat. Then, take me, Mr. Fogg! But for your avowal, I should 
ever have concealed my preference, but now I will confess to you that 
my heart has found its home {closed eyes, head on his =thoulder). 

Fogg {aside, staring blankly). If it has found its home, it would 
be cruel to turn it out of doors. Be calm, Patience — be calm ! {Jiim- 
self agitated). 

Pat. {looking up). I am quite calm. I feel a perfect sense of 
restfulness and peace. 

Fogg. Well, that is a comfort. 

Pat. Oh, yes! there is no more struggle — no more unrest. I have 
often wondered why my life was left unrounded and incomplete; 
but now it is all explained. 



12 

AN AMERICAN PASHA. 



wa^waitinffor you. ""'^''"^"«'^«'y P'-eparing to fulfill n^y destiny I 

mu^s?hli:teL'aiti^4yo?."^^*- ^H-' ^y the sa.e token, I 

Did^oulUtAardin'^fsttli^^^ 

store for you ? ' "^^'stenous intimations of what fate had in 

wZihJ^iji^At^^-S^^^^^ 

want to hold him? ' ^^ "" ^"' ^^ ^^^-^^^ff- (?^« Fogg) Don't ySu 
J^««- Doesn't he bite? 

^.Fo^^G (^«4l7.r,^4?Vn?n^^t'^^^^" ™^- -•^^^ ^-' Fido? 
FidosmftWaboutmyleS fn the \.ll ''""y. P^^^^ial to do^rs, and 

-thin, ^. dea^^„;^"^;s -:ysir^L ^s ^\ -: 

Fogg Eh: the first time? 

Fogg (r^^lcSZ '? tffntif"^' '''^l? ^* ^'^^"'^ «" «f a sudden? 
Pat. I'm go fflarl tn 1,^ '* "" "^^ ^^her a sudden thiuo- 

me. When rou'^Siw me oTof Z " -^'0^ ^* ^^^ ^^^ ^ -'th 
you (because the nasty salt-w.fL inf •!' ^'"^^'^ before I had seen 
forth I was yours fo^eveT '"^"^ '"^° ^^ ^3^^«)' ^ ^It that hencJ- 

PA:."wt't/' '^''' ''^ ''^-' -y? Ah! that was a terrible day 

^^prl^J^:[!^^r^^ experience for you; but a fortunate 

tound a wat*y g-rave we wUU^^.i''^ ^^'^""^ ^'here we so nearlv 
our lives togethfr.'""''^^'"''^ ^^' mysterious fate that linked 

P?^'''^^'''/"^'''^"'^' J"^* as you please 

foJo "inLXVl™ ^^r' ""^ "-' ^°" f=»- 

t«""reS wlL-r&e B" -1--«"^ of . i„ 
, Pat. How stranmlv tliimf. if ■ """J, " ™* » Sne point, 
been loving me, yoTL7e°Ra?iT\ , '^" ""■" «"» *"' "«" have 
kas^iness hadn't cilledvoTlSelJZvi'''''' ? '°'" ""'■ Perh»p"?'? 

pr Bir7o!j'ti,~ / T^=S^""" ''^'''*^''- 
"&'^n^;fS€^'^"^^^^^^^ 

..art UrXh^/rsSVot'. ttat I ha« too .adi„ given „,, 

Jove! i hey cannot appreciate-— -T?; ^^^ey know nothing of 

Fof r Mis^°' *^^ P^es^»t ■ ^^^ "' ^^y nothing about our 

are sSictly clfiJeS.' ^ """^ ^"^ attorney, and all communications 



ACT I. 13 

Enter Jeff, 2 r. 

Pat. {startled) What is it, Jefferson ? 

Jeff. Thought some one rang-, ma'am. 

Pat. No; but I am feeling a httle faint, Jefferson— you may bring 
me a glass of water. 

Jeff. Yes, 'um. [Aside,) Spoons ! Old spoons ! He, he! 
(Exit 2d R.) 

Pat. I must leave you, my own. You have made me very happy. 

Good-bye, my love. Come, Fido. (Fogg attends her to the door.) 
Exit Patience, 2d ii. 

Fogg {solus). That plunge was as sudden as my hea:der into the 
river. One minute she was talking of her will, and next of her wed- 
ding. They came as close together as the marriage and death notices 
in the newspaper. Did I propose to her, or did she propose to me? 
It is perfectly bewildering. Anyhow, it is past praying for; and 
"since 'tis done, twere well 'twere done quickly." I ought to con- 
sider myself a happy man. Upon the whole, I believe I am happy 
{duhioiislij). Of course, I'm happy! We will be married, and live 
happily forever after! She is not in her first youth; but I am not 
exactly a sprmg chicken myself. "There is a tide in the affairs of 
men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." My tide w 's 
in when 1 fished that maiden lady out of the water. My son shall 
not study law — that is to say, when I have a son. He shall go to a 
swimming-school; and then he shall spend his days riding to and fro, 
on the ferry, to gather in distressed mermaids and collect the salvage! 
{Enter Jeff., r. c, with glass.) Thank you, Thomas {drinks the 
uater). 

Jeff, {sflffl!/). Jefferson, sir. 

Fogg. Thomas — Jefferson, of coui-se. 

Jeff. Not Thomas, at all, sir; plain Jefferson. 

Fogg. Well, plain Jefferson, then. You need not mention any- 
thing about Miss Cortland's slight attack: she has got over it. As a 
retainer, 1 will give you one of the dollars of our daddies {feels his 
pocket). On the whole, 1 spent it for cab-hire, commg up here. 
Never mind — I'll remember it another time. Good-day, Thomas — I 
mean Jefferson. {Exit 2 n., followed hy Jeff.) 

Enter Cortland and Lee, l. c. 

Lee. Then you will take the additional telegraph shares? 

CoRT. Yes, since you advise it. I trust you are thoroughly sat- 
isfied. 

Lee. I am confident that the companies will consolidate shortly, 
which will send the stocks up fifty percent. 

CoRT. The newspapers tell a different story. 

Lee. Well, the managers are not such fools as to show their hands 
until they secure all the stock they want. 

CoRT.' I noticed that the shares are ten per cent, below the quota- 
tions a month ago. 

Lee. Possibly they may be hammered down even lower; but you 
have only to hold on a little while, and you will make a million. 

CoRT. Ah! Mr. Lee, what avails it for me to heap up riches? It 
won't make my little girl any happier, and taere is no one else now 
that I have to care for. 

Enter Carrie, 2d b. 
Car. Is Dora's cheque ready? 



14 

AN AMERICAN PASHA. 



inSuYtiiStlfbJS' '^ ('»""•«<' '» !'■"')■ Yoa may send the 

COKT As well as usual, my dear, 
trouble /ou ? '^'"^^' ^"^^ ^^^^^^ -^^^^d, lately. Does anything 

ha?dTy^K;a'"fwlTy?ar:^^^^ vT T"^^^' *1^^'"^"' ^^ I- 
nothing icaressingh,) ^ ^^^'' ^^' ^^^ ^'^«^- ^-^t, there, it is 

buSnSsiw ''""''^''* *"^^ ^^••^ «f ^«- precious self, and let 

CoRT. I will tell Lee that we must draw in n liffl^ tt, 
men want to take the world on their sho^ders 1 n'^ J^''' '''''""- 
^"fff o^yel'.^^-^— ^^ ^- I^oi'CEy .ot/o^Tnfooti;?;? 

you wltCi^^o^Se:'^ '^-^"-^ ^"^'^ ^"^ ^'^'''- Perhaps 
Car. I am never lonely with you. 

past'?wenty,"i thiS '^'' ^" ^^' ""'^^'^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^ enough. You are 
Car. Twenty-two. 

wh^eS^mi^ieT'Ttl^L'^o^ f^' ^ age of your mother, 

and now-the years gV^yTkr^dream '" '^^ ^'^^ ^'^^ were achUd! 

CoRT.'g,mtaStTvdrprr"'LiS --'^'t ^e^ Uncle? 

the ladder; but^hen my sKma riedhfm 1^' '^Y^^^V^^ '^' ^^'^ «f 
as a man of talent and inteSi^y ' "^^^ ^^'^'''^^' ^^H-known 

n.fmTr•thatttref^o?s^w"^^^^^^^^ -^ d-. But. re- 

come that your heart shall Sf7'f°'^' T^^^^^^^ <^he day shall 
her) than the one that shelLt^^nr^''^ ^"^ .'?^^' ^^^^^" ^^"'«'>«^-/>^^ 
desires only your happiness^ ' ^''" "^^'^ ^«"fi*^« ^^ "^'^. who 

I had'oSffflfc JrS: '''^'^'^- ^^^' C^— -. - c.) Oh! I wish 

Enter Dora, r. c. 

Dora. Here they are, Carrie. Look out for the lion' 

^;(<er Thorne o«rf Sennett, '2d r 

M^-oSuJI^lSt '"^" "^ *^ P^-^-"^^ *« y- Sdpio Africanus- 

comrhith'ei?^-^ ^' " "^^"^ ^^^'J ''f y°" to accede to our request and 

ISoRKV^S^DoRAf IVeL'' ;;T-^'^^ i^^ «-" — d." 
Miss Dora Cortland ''■ ^ ^^ ^^o^ght him ahve ! {presenting her), 

is litll- ^^f'&Jt'L^Hr^- i!- '' P-'b^^ that this 
beard you so often spoked of^that-!^ ' ^''' ^"'^^ ^^^t I have 

yo'Tafhi^SrSsLTf S^'yoirr/ ^^-^"^- t^-.^ about 
your ears bum just belorrwe came in ? ^^'^^^^'''''' by heart. Didn't 



ACT I. 15 

Car. And we feel that we are partly acquainted with you, Major 
Sennett. Your fame has preceded you. 

Sen. As "coming events cast their shadows before." 

Dora. Oh! it was no shadow, I assure you. 

TnoKNE. No — it was more like the headlight before a locomotive! 

Sen. Which is so mucli more brilliant than the locomotive itself. 

Car. And which warns everybody to get out of the way! 

Sen. I take it, Miss Ely, that one's reputation is merely a letter of 
introduction, which leaves its possessor to justify its phrases after- 
ward, if he can. 

Thokne. The young ladies are burning with curiosity to hear your 
adventures; so, just sit down for five minutes, and tell them all you 
know about Africa. 

Sen. I am very much at their service. 

Dora. After your romantic expeditions, I suppose that civilized 
life seems very insipid? 

Sen. For a change, it is quite endurable, I assure you. 

Car. Do you make a long stay in America? 

Sen. A few months, perhaps — it depends on my business engage- 
ments. 

Dora. Were the people cannibals, where you lived, over yonder? 

Sen. Occasionally. 

Dora. And did you ever — ? 

Car. ) Oh, Dora! 

Thorne ) (aside). You're getting too fresh. 

Sen. ismiliriff). You know the proverb, "At Rome one must do as 
Romans do." 

Dora. And did you try to convert any of the natives, like dear Mr. 
Stanley? 

Thorne. Converted them into mince meat, probably. 

Sen. We converted some of them ; but were obliged to use argu- 
ments that slave-drivers could vmderstand. For two years we were 
fighting the crudest savages in the world. Gang after gang were 
broken up, and their victims set free; but still the infernal traffic 
went on. A tremendous punishment was needed, and it was given. 
We pursued a slave caravan for more than a hundred leagues into 
the desert. The retreat being cut off, the wretches fought with the 
energy of despair. When the fight was over, Col. Gordon struck oft' 
the shackles of the slaves, and mounted the sick upon the captured 
animals; then stripped their kidnapers of arms, clothing, ac- 
coutrements—everything; and left them naked in the desert, to per- 
ish of thirst and hunger. 

Car. Oh, how terrible! 

Dora. It served them right! Frank, don't you wish you had pluck 
enough to go out there and fight savages? 

Thorne. Excuse me — it is not in my line. 

Sen. One doesn't need to go to Africa, Miss Dora, to exhibit 
heroic daring. I suppose Mr. Thorne has slurred over this morning's 
adventure; but I can assure you that Col. Gordon himself never did 
a finer thing. 
Dora. Why, what was it? Frank didn't tell us. 

Thorne. Never mind, now. Go on with your African adventures. 
Sen. Has he told you nothing? 

TiiOBNE. I didn't get a chance. 1 offered my little story, and it 
was declined. 

Sen. Mr. Thorne and I were out together this morning, and he 



1 A 

AN AMERICAN PASHA. 



was nd,ng a very restive anin^al, which, as he mentioned, belonged 
THoniKTer'^- '^'^'•' -^-e--are, Kitty? 

TTonJ'wl7f^'^ y^" ^^:P^" to have her? 
^^IHOHKK Well, you remen.ber how she shied with you, the other 

'^ t2ok.I1' noS Kes^tnTSf ^ ""'''■ . ' ^'^^^ ^^'^ off- 
dangerous. ^^^ "^^^^ t^at happened, and she looked 

r^nt' ^0-the apple- woman? 

mar?rd^y,teLf;tou r^ottf 4^" T I ^^fl."?^^ *« *^^ '^^ 
penment. ^ ^^^ '^^^^"- ^ am glad I made the ex- 

DoRA. Was she troublesome' 

IHORNE. We went along very well if fir«f ^x. . , , 

fiend in human shape mountPd nn 7 k' i ^^' ^^*^"' suflt^en v, a 
us Kitty was wikfwiS Ter o and ruZt' *^^"^^rhiriin& towai'ds 

Doha Why didn't you sJop her ? ""'^'^ ^^"^ ^'^' ^^^ ^^«d. 

her1?oo?^rre?a%"r^rtiif4^ft'"^- '^f: ^he went as if 
were some children playing a'ncS.i "^''^. '" ^^^" t'-'^^^k there 
who curiously gazecl at nf' nn.l. "'''' f'^'^'^P^ «"« toddling gu-l 
rowed at this'pfint ow n^to " deeo bm^ r ^'"^^'- .^^' ^^^'^^^ na ^ 
death seemed inevitable whPnT^nf ^"^'^'i"^, excavation. The child's 

'to\.T%\yr!:;i^^^^^^^^^^ '"' ^"^"^^^ ^^^^"^'^ 

bu|Ty 'om?Slf h?tid'e?cS^^^^^ ^^""/'-"^ "-"."-d; 

&Shfl';Jx\hT?-^^^^^^^^^ 

won't laugh at yoT^ ^forT^eek %'^ ''''~'''^' ^^« ^^-^n^^-' i 
And what becaie of the poor Ee ? ' ^'^^ '""' ^°" ^^'^ "^^ hurt ? 

li^ORNE. She was sent to the horse-r>im 

j^„ n 1 , Enter L^E, 2d R. 

who resides at the mramklf (^t "'^ P^^sent you to Maj. Sennett 

{Aside.) Does he rfcognize me? "^^^ ^' '"^^^ Maj. Sennett. 
hEi, (aside) That man /ifr^ / 
JuEE (ettibarrasted) Prav a ' 

Sattr- to rema^i-I -sr^port^^fi^cted^n^^^^^^^^^^^ 

Ha^ryrmJe'anTillii^rtronTheL^^^^^^^ T^^ '^-i--- 

, Lee. It remains to be seen ^^^ ^" stocks?. 

' Sr'Telltr' '^'^.^•^ Maj.- Sennett's carriage ^^•"''' ^- '^'^ 

nagSeS liJSrCn? thTl ^'"(^'^ ' ^^-dmy car- 
pa^iy to the MetropSftSn MusSm if .V"""' "^ ^^'^^ Jon/com- 
antiqmties brought over by niyseff"' ''^ '^^^'^ curiosities and 



ACT I, 17 

Sex. The entire equipage was a present from the Khedive. 

Dora. They are just too lovely. I wish the Khedive were a friend 
of mine. 

Thornr. " How long, 0, Cataline, wilt thou abuse our patience?" 
You must change your dress, and we have none too much time, 

Dora. We'll be ready in five minutes. Come, Came. 

{Exit Dora and Carrie, 2d R.) 

TnoRNR. Well, wasn't I right? — isn't she beautiful? 

Sen. {n'iih a pre-occupied air). Who is beautiful? 

Thoune. Dora, of course. Are you blind? She looks like a 
young godde-s. What animation in her features! — what -a sparkle 
in her eye ! — what — 

Sen. Yes, yes; she is all that. Do you know this Lee, who passed 
through here, just now? 

Thorne. I have met him frequently. He is Mr. Cortland's confi- 
dential secretai-y. 

Sen. Has he been here long? 

Thorne. About six months, I believe. He is quite a genius in 
finance, and has engaged his employer in some very large speculations. 

Sen. I thought Mr. Cortland had retired from business? 

Thorne. So he had; but he is now operating more heavily than 
ever. I suppose Lee manages most of his ventures. 

Sen. {aside). It is utter ruin. 

Thorne. Do you know anything about Lee? 

Sen. I saw him at Cairo, several years ago. He then went under 
another name; wore a different costume; had a full beard. Still, I 
think I cannot be mistaken. 

Thorne. What was he doing there ? 

Sen. He was engaged in the commissary department, and was 
living in great luxury. When the late Khedive was deposed, he ab- 
sconded, as it was reported, with a large amount of money. Say noth- 
ing about this matter. I mast investigate it thoroughly. 

Thorne. If I can assist you in any way, call on me. 
Enter Cortland, l. c. 

CoRT. Good-day, Frank. I see my niece is not here. Will you 
kindly give me your arm to the next landing? (Sennett rises and 
hows gravely.) 

Thorne. Certainly, lean upon me. 

CoRT. We old fellows don't find it so easy to get up a step in the 
world as it was when we were young. [Exit with Thorne, 2d r.) 

Sen. (solus). Alas! how changed from the stalwart, self-reliant 
man of twelve years ago. My arm should have sustained him. My 
brain and heart should have been his stay. I have gained the 
world's applause, while here — here! was iny duty left undone. I re- 
turn to find my father old and broken; my sister unprotected; the 
slime of a sei-pent on the threshold of our home! I am not too Iat« 
to save them. " But, ah! her — she who hung over me in infancy; who 
nourished my childhood; who followed my erring footsteps with 
her prayers, and died not knowing that those prayers were an- 
swered; {turning to portrait) how shall 1 ever escape regret at every 
utterance of thy name! 
Enter Carrie, 2 r., in street costume. She is about to speak, then 

pauses. He continues, without observing her. 
My mother! Speak to my heart, and tell me that no shadow of thy 
sorrowing years dims the radiance of thy celestial home. Tell me 
2 



]8 AN AMEllICAN PASHA. 

that thou seest my repentance and ray tears. Tell me that I am for- 
given! {He sinks into a chair, and bows his head.) 

QUICK CURTAIN. 

Curtain, half rising, shows Sennett alone, gazing intently on 

picture. 



ACT II. 



SCENE — A conservatory, hriUiantly lighted. Glass bach, with small 
door at r. c. Sides open. Banks of natural plants and flowers 
at hack and sides, ivy around ceiling. Light tvicker settees and 
chairs. Music, off, as curtain rises. 

Enter Carrie and Dora, 2 Jj., followed by Thorne. 

Dora. How tlid I look, Carrie? 

Car. Beautifully. 

Dora. Don't I appear flushed — are my cheeks red? 

Car. Not unbecomingly, dear. You do veiy well. 

Dora {sitting doivn). I was in such a flutter, I hardly knew what 
to say, in receiving so many people. I'm glad of two mmutes' rest 
{fanning herself). 

Thorne. I don't see how you managed it, Miss Dora, but you do 
look lovely. 

Dora. I notice Carrie, and then follow her example. 

Thorne. The result is perfection. You look sweet enough to eat. 

Dora. Oh, you cannibal! We'll send you to Africa, with Major 
Sennett. 

Thorne. " Would that the desert were my dwelling place, with 
one fair spirit for my minister — '' 

Dora {interrupting). That you might eat her at your leisure! 

Thorne, " That I inight all forget the human race, 

And, hating no one, love but only hei." — Byron. 
Dora. When you are ready to emigrate, we will try and give you a 
complete outfit, including the "fair minister," etc. 
Enter Sennett, 2d l. 

Sen. Miss Dora, you have done much execution, this evening. Are 
you re-stringing your bow, to bring down more beaux? 

Thorne. Renewing her beau-string, one might say. 

Dora. It was awfully good of you. Major, to cotua here to-night 
and play the lion. 

Sen. Was I cast for the lion ? 

Dora. Why, certainly you were. 

Car. And you play it with excellent discretion. You " roar as 
gently as any sucking dove." 

Sen. {half aside, to Carrie). "I will roar you an 'twere any 
nightingale." 



ACT II. 19 

Car. My lions may roar as loudly as they please — so long as they 
are in a cage. 

Sun. (/o Carrie). A cage from which it is difficult to escape. 

Car. I will leave the door wide open. 

Sen. But what if the desire to escape is wanting? 

Car. It will return when you bi-eathe the desert air once more. 

Sen. 1 feel an influence here, which enchains me stronger than 
bolts fnd bars. I may "change my seas and skies, but not the 
mind." 

Car. (embarrassed). Still, I think that you are "fated to be free." 

Enter Fogg, 2d r. He tvears a blue coat with brass buttons, canary 
waistcoat, and lavender trousers. 

Thorne [to Dora). Here comes one of Ovid's melamorphoses. 

Dora. Oh, Mr. Fogg, what a pity! 

Fogg. What is a pity? 

Dora. That you mistook my party for a fancy-dress ball. 

Fogg. Not at all. What gave you such an idea? 

Dora. Why, you don't mean to say that that is your general dress 
suit ? 

Fogg [regarding it complacently). No, it is my particular suit. 
What is the matter with it? 

Dora. Don't you think it is just a little "loud?" 

Fogg. I can't say I do. It's the very pattern of the suit my 
father was married in. 

Dora. So, you rely on " the wisdom of your ancestors," in matters 
of costume? 

Fogg. In everything, Miss Dora. I am content to stand " super 
rias antiquas," upon the ancient ways. 

Enter Jeff., 2d L. 

Jeff, (to Sen.) Here is a telegram for you, sir. (Exit Jeff.) 

Sen. [to ladies). From Egypt, it seems; will you excuse me? (open 
ing it.) 

Dora. It is like a voice from the tombs! Mayn't we see it, Major? 

Sen. (handing telegram to Carrie). Will you read it? 

Car. (reading). " For distinguished services, Major Arthur Sennett 
has been created a Pasha." 

Fogg (aside). My stars! I'm the attorney of a live Pasha! 

Thorne (to Dora). P'sha! Who would have thought it? 

Dora. Major — I mean Your Highness — this is perfectly delightful. 

Thorne. I would like to be a Pasha, or something myself. 

Dora. 0, you have a good title already. 

Thorne. To what? I'd like to know. 

Dora (tapping his cheek ivith her fan). The American Sheik! 

(Music off.) 

Car. Come, Dora, we must go back to the ball-room. 

Thorne. " No rest 'till morn, where youth and pleasure meet 
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet." 

Dora. I trust, Major, you will still condescend to people of low 
estate. 

Sen. I feel as queerly as the beetle in the show-case; and can fay, 
as he did, "although stuck up, I am not proud." 

(Exit Sennet and Carrie, 2d l.) 

Fogg. Miss Dora, will you give me the pleasure of dancing with 
you ? 

Dora (going). Really, I'm afraid that my list is full; but (laugh- 



20 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

ing) as you are so fond of "ancient ways," I've no tloubt Aunt -u-iU 
be happy to dance with you! {Exeunt Thokne and Dora, 2 i.. ) 

Fogg [solus). Hum! her aunt's ways are not exactly the kind that 
improve by age. Sometimes I wish I hadn't proposed to her— it I 
did propose. This getting engaged, is a very confusing business. 
Men don't know what they are about; otherwise there could not be 
so many marriages in the world. I have had half a mind to see 
whether I couldn't rescind the contract, on the ground of mistake or 
undue influence, or something of that sort; but my courage always 
fails me. She is frightfully fond of me, to be sure! Bat what is the 
use of borrowing trouble ? There will be a long engagement, and 
that will give me time to get used to the idea. I'll just put it put of 
ray mind for this evening, and enjoy myself. This is my first party 
in twenty years; so, for a fortnight I've been preparingfor my fashion- 
able campaign. {Taking out a small volume,) I got a book of eti- 
quette for the field manoeuvres, and a book on dancing, for the man- 
ual of arms. It was rather difficult, drilling all by myself. I hope 
I'll not make a mess of it when I get under fire. Let me see {reads), 
" You should be careful not to tread upon your partner's dress, but 
if you are so unlucky as to tear it, you must treat the accident as of 
no consequence, it being assumed that she has plenty of other 
dresses." Um! — um! {turning leaves). "When attending a lady 
to supper, you should see that she is supplied, before you help your- 
self; and in banding wine or coft'ee, you must be particular not to 
spill any down the lady's back." {Shuts book.) It needs no ghost, 
come from the grave, to tell us that! I believe I could write bett r 
rules myself. I'm more concei-ned as to how I'll go "upon the light 
fantastic toe." {Dances.) Forward and back; half moulinet and 
turn partners; chasse croise and salute; turn partners to places. 

Enter Patience, 2 l., Fogg riins smartly against her. 
Did I tear your di'ess? If so, it is of no consequence! — Oh, it is you, 
my charmer? I was thinking about you. 

Pat. So, you prefer dancing by yourself, Mr. Fogg? 

Fogg. Not at all, my dear; not at all. I was only passing the te- 
dious moments until you arrived. — 

" Earth was a desert, Eden was a wild. 
And man, the hermit, sighed 'till woman smiled." 

Pat. You seem to be in very good spirits, this evening. 

Fogg. Why not, my dear? Everything is lovely, and the goose 
hangs — 'hem! When I first got here, I felt as much out of place as 
a sword-fish in on opera box. I expected to find the people stuck up 
and exclusive; but they are quite pleasant and affable. Everybody 
smiles when they speak to me. And what a quantity of pretty girls 
there are! 

Pat. So, you have been watching the pretty girls? 

Fogg. Naturally, my dear. 

Pat. And making yourself agreeable to them, I suppose? 

Fogg. Not to any alarming extent. After a man's head gets to be 
■shiny, the girls don't take a shine to him ? I can understand, now, 
why Samson's strength lay in his hair! 

Pat. You men are inconstant creatures. You would like to skip, 
like a bumble-bee, from flower to flower. 

Fogg. My affection remains as fixed as the needle to the pole. But 
even the needle, you know, wabbles a little! 

Pat. Is that why you have neglected me, lately? 

Fogg. My dear! I've been here three times within a week. 



ACT II. 21 

Pat. And what did you do with yourself the other four days? 

Fogg. I couldn't have come oftener without exciting remark, and 
you said — 

Pat. Yes, I know ; but tell me how you spent your leisure hours 
when you were not with me? 

Fogg. Very much as 1 did before I knew you. 

Pat. What did you do last Monday evening ? 

Fogg. I went to the club. 

Pat. And on Wednesday evening? 

Fogg. I went to the club. 

Pat. And on Friday evening? 

Fogg. 1 went to the club again. 

Pat. You poor man; how dreary it must have been! But you can 
now.look forward to the time when we shall be always together. 

Fogg {aside). What a ghastly idea! Yes, that will be very de- 
lightful. 

Pat. Then you will no longer need to look to your club for amuse- 
ment. You can give it up altogether. 

Fogg (feebli/). Did you say " give it up," my dear? 

Pat. [severehj). Certainly, I said give it up! You wouldn't care 
to go to a club after you're married? 

Fogg. Not so much, of course, but I thought — 

Pat. How would you like to have your wife spend her evenings at 
at a club ? 

Fogg. If it would give her any pleasure, I wouldn't stand in the 
way. 

Pat. It couldn't give her any pleasure. I'm sure you must agree 
with me, that nothing should be allowed to weaken the closeness and 
sanctity of the marriage relation? 

Fogg. Oh, certainly. 

Pat. {enthusiastically). Where there is a true union, the wedded 
pair find all their happiness in each other. There is an entire conimu- 
nity of interests. There are no secrets between them. Their friends, 
their correspondence, their business, their pleasures are all in common. 
Hand in hand, they go together — "two souls with but a single 
thought—" 

Fogg. "Two hearts that beat as one!" {Aside.) Oh, this is 
dreadful! {Getiing\ip.) I feel a sort of a cramp in my legs — I must 
exercise them a little. {Music off.) Let us go and dance. 

Pat. I can't dance, Mr. Fogg. 

Fogg {putting bis arm around her) They're playing a polka — 
come along. 

Pat. But I tell you I can't dance; really — 

Fogg {pulling her with him, sings), 

" Can't you dance the polka? 

Won't you dance the polka? 

The joys of earth are little worth. 

Unless you dance the polka!" {Exeunt, 2 l.) 

Enter Cortland and Lee, 2 R. 

Lee. Sir, it is a fatality. 

Cort. It is a fatality; but there is no fate so relentless as our 
egregious folly. 

Lee. No one could have foreseen the break to-day. It was a 
clap of thunder out of a clear sky. Eveiything looked fair, when 
block after block of our stocks were thrown upon the market, and 
there was a regular panic. 



22 AN AMERICAN PASHA 

CoRT. I'm carrying of "Transcontinental " upwards of a million, 
I believe? 

Lee. Twelve hundred thousand. 

CouT. And of "Inter- Ocean y" 

Lee. Eight hundred thousand. 

CoRT. {half aside). Two millions! after all our other wild invest- 
ments. We have been rushing blindfold upon the breakers. 

Lee. There was a sUght rally at the close, and to-morrow the 
storm may blow over. 

Cor r. 1 hope so, for the sake of others; but a glassy sea and sunny 
skies avail him nothing whose wreck is upon the shore. 

Lee. My dear sir, a man like you can not be ruined in a day. 
Your credit is almost unlimited. 

CoRT. I shall not avail myself of it. I will not drag my Iriends 
with me in my downfall. 

Lee. But this is Quixotic — absurd. You only need to tide over a 
day, perhaps, to float again in smooth waters. 

CoRT. We will not discuss the question. Within a few hours I have 
taken an account-of my liabilities. I can meet them as they stand, 
but I can do nothing further. 

Lee. This means ruin ! 

CoRT. {gloomily). Yes, it is ruin. 

Lee. And not to yourself, only. Those dearest to you must share 
it with you — your sister, your daughter — 

CoRT. My sister has her own portion; my daughter { f alter in gly) 
will forgive me. But I could never forgive myself if I could not look 
the world full in the face. 

Lee {aside). Infatuated fool! Well, sir, what are your instructions 
to me for to-morrow? 

CoRT. None. I will take the helm myself. It is full late; but, at 
least, I will be on deck when my ship goes down. Hush! here 
comes Carrie — she must hear nothing of this. 

Enter Carrie, 2d l. 

Car. L^ncle, the Ledyai-ds have arrived, and inquired for you. 

CoRT. Very well, I will come. 

Lee {aside). When the ship goes down each one must save him- 
self. But how to leave her? I can not — I will not. What's to be 
done? 

CoRT. {going). Don't be away long, dear. 

{Exit ('ORT., L. 2 Carrie comes forward.) 

Car. {timidly). I have not seen you in the ball-room. (Lee turns 
toirard her.) Why! what is the roatter — are you ill? 

Lee. I am sick at heart. 

Car. And for what — ? 

Lee. 0, Carrie! I must leave you. It wrenches me asunder, but 
I can not help it. I must go abroad at once. 

Car. For how long? 

Lee. For months, may be— perhaps longer. I can not tell. To 
leave you, distracts me. What will life be worth to me should I re- 
turn and find you another's ! 

Car. {repressi)ig emotion). You need not fear that. 

Lee. How can you know ? They will, perhaps, blacken my char- 
acter, and I shall not be here to defend it. They will undermine 
your faith in me. They will urge upon you some favored suitor, an(i 
you will forget me. 

Car. {shaking her head sadly). No. 



ACT ir. 23 

Lee. There is only one way to make me secure. Become my wife 
before I go. 

Cah. {startled). Your wife! 

Leb {agitated and hurriedly). This evening — while the guests are 
at supper — make some excuse to go to your room alone. Meet me 
here. We will drive to a clergyman's a few blocks distant. We 
can return in twenty minutes. Your absence will not be noticed. 

Car. {despairingly). 0, Clarence! 

Lee {feverishly). It is but binding the troth which you have 
plighted. You will continue in your uncle's house. No one will 
suspect anything. It will save me, and it will strengthen you, too, 
because then you will not be moved by threats or entreaty. When I 
return, in happier days, we will be married betore the world. 

Car. But, what does all this mean ? Why this secret marriage — 
this sudden flight? 

Lee. I can not explain, now. It must needs be a strong reason 
which could tear me from you. You must not — shall not — refuse me. 

Car. You are too hard with me. You ought to trust me. You 
should not treat me as a child. 

Enter Thorne, 2 l. 

Thorne. More guests arrived, Miss Ely, and inquiring for you. 
Everybody clamors for Carrie — the children cry for her! 

Car. Coming, Frank. (To Lee). I will return presently. 

Lee. Do you consent ? 

Car. Yes. {Exit Carrie ajir? Thorne, 2 l.) 

Lee {solus). Her uncle may thank himself for this night's busi- 
ness. It is a desperate chance, but a drowning man must clutch at 
anything. {Exit, r.) 

Enter Society Swell and Young Lady, l. 2d. 

Swell. Are you fond of flowers. Miss a- Jenkins? 

Miss J. Oh, passionately! I adore them. 

Swell. Here is a pretty one. A laburaum, isn't it? or an azalia, 
or — something? 

Miss J. {dubiously). I don't know, exactly, but 1 think it some 
kind of a — shrub. 

Swell. Talking of flowers, I'll give you a conundrum that I made 
the other day. 

Miss J. Excuse me; my mamma doesn't approve of conundrums 
for girls, she thinks they are improper. 

Swell. But this is only a little one for a cent; an easy one, you 
know. Why is a " Mai-echal Neil " like you, when you got up this 
morning? 

Miss J. Oh, you horrid man! 

Swell. Because it's a rose; arose, don't you see? That's a good 
one, isn't it? * 

Miss J. I don't want to hear any more, Mr. Jones. Please take 
me back to mamma. 

Swell. Well, but, you know — {Exeunt 2. r). 

Enter Patience and Sennett, 2 l. 

Pat. I am certain there has been a marked change for the worse 
in him, within a few days. 

Sen. Sit down a moment and explain the matter to me 

Pat. It may seem strange that I should speak so confidentially to 
you, after our b-ief acquaintance ? 



24 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

Sen. Not at all. I am accustomed to receive confidences. 

Pat. There is something in you that inspires them. Do you know- 
that you strongly remind me of a nephew of mine ? 

Sen. I am quite flattered. You say that Mr. Fogg appears less 
ardent than when he first won your affections ? 

Pat. It is only a short time since he disclosed his — his preference, 
and this makes his coldness the more inexplicable. 

Sen. At the beginning, then, he showed no lack of— enthusiasm ? 

Pat. Quite the contrary. He was very much in earnest, indeed. 
He wouldn't take No for an answer. 

Sen. Probably these later symptoms are not out of the common 
way. Love is a great deal like an ague; one day comes a fever and 
the next a chill. 

Pat. Well, it's very uncomfortable. It seems to me that engaged 
people are neither one thing nor the other. 

Sen. They are amphibious animals; living partly on land and part- 
ly ill hot water! It isn't a condition that should be too long con- 
tinued. 

Pat. a long engagement would be perfectly dreadful! People 
make such silly remarks when a maiden lady becomes engaged. I'm 
sure she has as much right to, as anybody. 

Sen. Certainly she has. It isn't a right that is baiTed by limita- 
tion. 

Pat. But for mature persons like Mr. Fogg and myself, along en- 
gngement would be ridiculous. We certainly ought to know our own 
minds. And I think the most sensible course would be to get married 
some afternoon, when we are out for a walk vfithout saying anything 
about it beforehand, to anybody. 

Sen. I quite agree with you. 

Pat. Now, do you really? It is such a comfort to confer with a 
discreet adviser. Perhaps you would be willing to sound Mr. Fogg 
a little and see whether — ? 

Sen. Oh, I'll bring him around. You may consider it settled. 
I'll make all the arrangements for you. I'll engage the parson to- 
moiTOW. 

Pat. I wouldn't wish to trouble you so much. 

Sen. It will be a pleasure, I assure you. 

Pat. But really I have no claim — 

Sen. Don't put it in that prosaic form., Miss Cortland. Consider me 
as a Knight-Errant, whose privilege it is to assist a distressed lady, 
and to see her righted. 

Pat. You are very kind; but this is a prosaic age; and ladies now- 
a-days do not expect others to do for them what chey can do for them- 
selves. 

Sen. As, for example? 

Pat. [embarrassed). Well, in regard to the minister; I spoke to 
our pastor the other day, Ijecause I thought — it seemed to me that if 
a suitable occasion should arise — 

Sen. " It would be so handy to have him in the house." My dear 
Madame, a woman of such forethought and executive ability needs no 
counsel from me. You will be a perfect treasure to your husband. 
You can do all his thinking for him! 

Pat. Then you don't see anything out of the way in my taking this 
initiative ? 

Sen. "The Gods help those who help themselves." You are only 
taking steps to secure Mr. Fogg's happiness, and he ought to be a 
thousand times obliged to you. 



ACT II. 25 

Pat. {rising). I'm glad we have had this conference, Major, be- 
cause it. confirms my own judgment so entirely. 

Sen. If Foerg has any gratitude he will name his first boy after me. 
Your plan is admirable; and now that you're sure you're right, you 
have only to go ahead. {Exeunt 2. R.) 

Enter Carrie 2 l. 

Car. Not here! {enter Jeff. 2 r.) Do you know where Mr. Lee 
is, Jetf? 

Jeff. He just went out, Miss, in a great huriy. He asked me to 
give you tliis letter. {Give letter, soft music from ball-room.) 

Car. {readiiH/, aside). " Our future happiness depends- on your 
" decision. If you consent, place a red rose in your hair. Be in the 
'■ conservatory at eleven. A carnage will be at the side entrance to 
" convey us to the clergyman. The driver is discreet and will disclose 
•• nothing. If you refuse, we will be separated forever. Do not leave 
'■ me to despair. My whole life shall prove my devotion. Clarence." 
(music ceases.) Go to my desk and get an envelope for me. {Exit 
.Tkff. l.) What shall I do? An hour ago, all was so bright and 
beautiful; and now everything seems changed; the lights dim, the 
fiowers faded, the music dead! But he loves me, — he has sworn that 
he loved me, — and 1 must obey him. {jnits ros^ in her hair). Would 
he were here. I shrink from this step. I am so afraid! 

Re-enter Jeff. l. 

Jeff. Here's the envelope, Miss. 

Car. (tvriting in pencil, on Lee's letter refolds and encloses it). 
Oive this to Mr. Lee as soon as be comes in. 

Jeff. Yes, Miss. 

Car. {taking another 7wte from her pocl-et. And please hand this 
note to Maj. Sennett as soon as vou have a good opportunity. 

Jeff. Yes, Miss, what shall I say to him? 

Car. Say nothing; or, if he asks who the letter is from, tell him 
{nervoush/) tell him anything — tell him you don't know! 

Jeff. "I understand, Miss. {Exit Carrie 2 l.) {Jeff shifts the notes 
nneasilg in his hands) Hum! these are pretty doings! Tears to 
me that Miss Came is about compromising of herself. In these times 
when the African race am on trial it behoves a respectable colored 
gentleman to look shai-p after himself. — I'm to give this nole to Maj. 
Sennett, and this one to Mr. Lee; or was it just the other way? Blest 
if I know tother from which any more! There's no writing on 'ern, 
and the envelo] es are just alike. Mebbe I'd best put both notes in 
the fiah ? But that might get rne into trouble too. Thank goodness, 
I've got a dream- book in the pantry that can disentangle any such 
trouble in a jifty; or if there isn't anything consentaneous in that I'll 
consult the horoscope with a pack of keerds! {Exit r.) 

Enter Thorne and Sennett, 2 l. 

Thorne. And so the quondam commissary has not reformed? 

Sen. He has had himself whitewashed, but underneath he is as 
black as ever. {They sit down.) 

Thorne. And how do you like the role of detective? 
Sen. Not at all, I assure you. I've been hand-and-glove with the 
fellow, and at times I've almost felt myself as great a rascal as he. 
Thorne. And he doesn't suspect you? 

Sen. Not in the least. He is satisfied that I did not recognize him. 
Thorne. What have you discovered? 
Sen. That he is a speculator, a gambler, and a libertine. I've 



26 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

lost a few hundreds to him at cards, and he has tried to inveigle me 
into various doubtful enterprises. 

Thoune. Mr. Coi-tland will do well to change his confidential 
manager. 

Sen. Lee is such a desperate gamester, that I've no doubt that he 
has squandered much of his employer's money. But this is trifling, 
compared with the reckless ventures into which he has led him. 

TiiORNE. Will he lose, do you think? 

Sen. Lee has bought, right and left — mines, railroad and tele- 
graph shares; and lately he has pitched heavily into ''Trans-conti- 
nental " and " Inter-Ocean." 

Thorn E. Short, or long? 

Sen. Long. 

Thorne. I noticed that Mr. Cortland had a long face on him this 
evening. This explains it! 

Sen. I fear that unless he gets some help he will go by the boai'd. 

Thorne [concerned). Is it so bad as that? 

Sen. For reasons of my own, I intend to put my shoulder to the 
wheel; but if we have another such tumble to-morrow it may chance 
that my resources will not suffice. 

Thorne [ivannly). My dear fellow, I claim the right to assist here. 
My father was Mr. Cortland's partner, and owed to him his start and 
success in life. When father died Mr. Cortland was my trustee, 
without reward, and handed me my property in sjjleudid shape on 
the day that I was twenty-one. 

Sen. If I can not get along otherwise, I may call on you. 

Thorne. Call upon me, anyhow. The fact is — besides owing so 
much to Mr. Cortland, I'm in love with his daughter. 

Sen. Have you told her so? 

Thorne. Not in so many words. But sjhe doesn't need to be told 
that I'm desperately fond of her. 

Sen. Well, well. 

Thorne. Did you ever see such lovely eyes? And then, she has 
so much intelligence. She is so knowing, and yet so innocent. 

Sen. a kind of wide-awake i«.9<;j(Ke.' 

Thorne. Of the true American type. 

Sen. Oh; this is a bad case! But don't despair. You'll pull 
through all right. 

Thorne. Pull through? 

Sen. Yes, you'll get over it. These early attacks are seldom fata) . 

Thorne. I don't want to get over it. I want to make her my wife. 

Sen. How old are you ? 

Thorne. Twenty-two, three months ago. 

Sen. And she is eighteen to-day. A pretty pair of "babes in the 
wood " you would be. Don't think of it. 

Thorne. I can't help myself. I think of it all the time. 

Sen. Is there any one else in the way? 

Thorne. No, there isn't any one else, so far as I know. {Av.r- 
ioHsJy.) By the way, you have been coming here veiy often. Don't 
tell me that you — 

Enter Carrie and Society Swell, l. 3d. 
Sen. No — not at all. I am going to marry her cousin. 
Thorne. Miss Ely? (Carrie listens, startled.) 

Sen. Yes. 

Thorne. The deuce! How does that happen? 
Sen. Kismet. It is fate! 



ACT II. 27 

Swell. Are yon fond of flowers, Miss Ely? . 

Car. Ah, who does not love flowers! 

SwELfi. Speaking of flowers, let me give you a conundrum that I 
made the other day. 

Car. You will find me a dull guesser, I am afraid. 

Swell. But this is an easy one. Why is a " Marechal Neil — 

[Theij pass out, v.. 3d.) 

Thorne. How do you know she will accept you? 

Sen. My dear boy, I never proposed to a woman in my life that she 
didn't accept me. 

Thorne. If it is a regular habit of yours to distribute your heart 
around, of course, you learn women's little ways. 

Sen. "Expenentia docet.'''' 

Thorne. Yes, experience does it; 1 wish I had some. I'd like to 
hide in a corner and see how you manage the matter. ^ 

Sen. a natural wish, but reprehensible. / 

Thorne. And yon couldn't — ? 

Sen. I really couldn't. You must paddle your own canoe, and I 
wish you every success. 

Thorne. Thank you. 

Sen. Not just now, of course, but when you are both of a suitable 
age — say, three or four years hence. 

Thorne. Oh! thank you for — nothing. 

Enter Jkfp., r. 

Jeff. A note for you, sir {giving it). 

Sen. No address. Are you sure it is for me? 

Jeff. Sure. 

Sen. Who gave it to you? 

Jeff. I don't know. 

Sen. You don't know! 

Jeff. I was ordered not to know, sir, and I don't know. 

Sen. Very well. {Reads; appears agitated.) 

Jeff, {aside). 'Pears like he was discomboberated by that 'pistle! 

{Exit, L.) 

Sen. {aside). The treacherous villain! Poor little girl! 

Thorne. Any bad news? 

Sen. Yes — no. I'm a thousand times glad to get this letter. {Re- 
flecting, half aside.) I have it! Yes, that will be just the thing. 

Thorne. What is the matter? 

Sen. Please go to the ball-room, and make yourself agreeable to 
Dora. Don't tease her with any love-making; the time hasn't come 
for that. But stay near her— don't go away. Take her down to 
supper. 

Thorne {rising). My lord shall be obeyed — especially as his orders 
seem agreeable to sound reason. {Exit, l.) 

Sen. {looking at loatch). Forty minutes yet, before our conspirator 
proposes to explode his mine. Forewarned is forearmed; but it was 
a close thing. I'll go and see whether the train is laid. 

{Exit through door at hack.) 

Enter Fogg and Young Lady, l. 

Miss J. Are you fond of politics, Mr. Fogg? 

Fogg. I can't say that I am. It is the proud boast of each native 
American that he may be President— if he can only get votes enough. 
But I am debarred from that privilege. I was swindled out of my 
iniieritance before I had a cradle. In fact, I was " counted out " 
before I was born ! 



28 AN AMEUICVN PASHA. 

Mrss J. Tncleecl! How could that be? 

Fogg. My parents were foreigners ; but they tried to retrieve the 
misfortune by emigrating to this " land of the free," etc. That 
would have made me a citizen, only that our steamer broke a shaft, 
which delayed us twelve hours, and I was born just five hours and a 
quarter before we sighted Sandy Hook! 

Miss J. What a misfortune! 

Fogg. An irreparable misfortune. When I grew up I studied law 
expressly to prosecute the steamship company. 

Miss J. And did you succeed ? 

Fogg. No, madame. The court followed the ruling in the "Ala- 
bama case," and held that indirect damages were not recoverable. 
,! Miss J. That was too bad. 

Fogg. The learned judge also intimated that the suit was brought 
by the wrong plaintiff; that, in fact, it should have been brought in 
the name of the people, who were the parties most injured by my 
disqualifications. 

Miss J. I'm afraid you are laughing at me. 

Fogg. Perish the thought. {Aside.) If I wer'n't, I'd be a bigger 
fool than she is. 

Re-enter Sennett, r. 

Sen. {aside). The carriage is there, sure enough, and I've come to 
an understanding with the driver. A woid with you, Mr. Fogg. 

Fogg {to ladi/). Pray, excuse me. {Exit Lady, l.) At your ser- 
vice, sir. 

Sen. What is the report this evening? 

Fogg. The papers reached me at four o'clock. At five-thirty a 
special messenger started with them for Washington. We should 
have the arrest warrant within forty-eight hours. 

Sen. {(ihstractedly). After ail, Fosg is a good fellow. I dare say, 
he'll make her happy. Whether he'll be happy himself, is a differ- 
ent matter. 

Fogg. Is there anything else that — ? 

Sen. Yes. You are attached to Miss Patience Cortland, I believe? 

VoGG {surprised). I can't deny the soft impeachment, though I 
don't see how it concerns you. 

Sen. ''Nihil honiiiium alieiuim piifo.''' Nothing that concerns 
humanity is foreign from my sympathy. 

Fogg. The sentiment does you honor, sir, but still I'm at a loss to 
know — 

Sen, I'll inform you. You confess the attachment? 

Fogg. You may call it an " attachment " if you like. It was 
levied about a fortnight ago. 

Sen. Was that the date of your proposal? 

Fogg. I'm not sure that I did propose. I think that the boot was 
on the other leg. It's a point that isn't exactly clear iu my own mind. 

Sen. But you're engaged? 

Fogg. 0, yes, we're engaged — very much so. I'm afraid there's 
no doubt about that. 

Sen. And when are yon going to be married? 

Fogg. It's not decided. In fact, the engagement is not yet announ- 
ced. Miss Cortland preferred that it should be secret, for the present; 
though, as you seem so well intormed, I presume she has takf'u you 
into her confidence? 

Sen. I suppose you have no desire for a protracted engagement? 



ACT II. 29 

Fogg. Well, not particularly — no. I presume it will run the usual 
course. 

Sen. What do you call the " usual course?" 

Fogg. 0, say, a year or two, probably. 

Sen. Bless me! Do you think that your suit is a suit in chancery? 

Fogg. You think that too long? 

Sen. Altogether too long. Now, what I suggest is, that you take 
time by the forelock, and get married at once. 

Fogg. And what do you mean by "at once?" 

Sen. Well, say, in the course of the next half-hour, 

Fogg. Holy Moses! Isn't that rather sudden? 

Sen. The lady's wishes ought to be law in a case of this kind. 

Fogg. And does she want to be married within half an hour? 

Sen. That's what I'm telling you. 

Fogg. And she requested you — ? 

Sen. Don't ask so many questions. The parson is waiting, and 
there's no time to be lost. 

Fogg. The parson waiting! Here in the house? 

Sen. No, just around the corner. Your carriage is at the door. 

Fogg. I wonder whether I'm awake? This is a regular nightmare. 

Sen. You'll wake up soon enough. Better get through the cere- 
mony, and have done with it. 

FooG. But, man alive! I haven't any witnesses. I can't get mar- 
ried without witnesses. 

Sen. I've telephoned for some. They will reach the minister as 
soon as you do. 

FooG. Do you solemnly tell me that the lady — 

Skn. The lady's heart is set upon it. If you hang back she will be 
very unhappy. 

Fogg. Well! I don't want to make her unhappy. 

Sen. "Take the goods the gods provide thee, 
Lovely Thais sits beside thee." 

Fogg. I don't know about " Lovely Thais ;" but if Miss Patience 
has made the arrangement, it isn t for me to object. 

Sen. Spoken like a philosopher! Wait here a few minutes, and 
I'll prepare her; that is to say, I'll let her know that you are ready. 

{Exit, L.) 

YoGG {sol tts). My destiny advances per saltum; with a hop, skip 
and jump, as it were. "Make ready," I propose; "present arms," 
I'm engaged; " fire!" and before the smoke clears away I'll be mar- 
ried. I don't like this sudden arrangement. The family might sa.y 
hard things about me afterward. I'll find Mr. Cortland, and ask his 
advice in the affair. ' {Exit, l. 2d.) 

Enter Dora and Young Sweli., 3d l. 

Swell. Are you fond of flowers. Miss Dora? 

Dora {jx'ffishli/). No, 1 hate them. 

Swell. Indeed, you surprise me. I never knew a j'oung lady to 
hate flowers. 

Dora {indifferently). Well, I hardly call myself a young lady 
yet. 

Swell. Speaking of flowers, let me give you a conundrum that I 
made, the other day. Why is — 

Dora. Oh! I hate conundrums. Let me give you one. Wliy is — 
why is this chair like an elephant? 

Swell. Because it can't climb a tree? No, I suppose that isn't it. 
Well, now, why is this chair like an elephant? 



30 AN AMEEICAN PASHA. 

Dora. I'm sure I don't know. T only asked for information. 

Swell. He, he! Miss Dora; you're very facetious. Oh! I've just 
thought of one. Why am I like an elephant? 

DouA. Because you have such large ears. 

Swell. Really now, Miss Dora, you are too horribly severe; that is 
too awfully cruel, you know. I must really protest, you know — 

{They go out r. 2.) 

Enter Fogg and Cortland, 2 l. 

CoRT. What's this? You say that sister Patience is engaged to 
you? 

Fogg. And I'm engaged to her; we're both engaged, — subject, of 
course, to your approval. 

CoKT. My sister is old enough to know her own mind. If she is 
satisfied I don't see how I can interfere. 

Fogg. Then you don't object? 

CoRT. 0. certainly not. 

Fogg. Well, I'm glad I asked you. Now we will go and be mar- 
ried. 

CoRT. Be married; when? 

Fogg. Immediately; just now; right away. 

CoRT. You don't mean it? 

Fogg. I didn't fifteen minutes ago, but I find the lady has made 
all the arrangements for our nuptials, instanter. 

CoRT. Is it possible? 

Fogg. She had a dread of being talked about, so she wouldn't let 
it be known beforehand. 

CoRT. Well, we must humor her. The guests needn't know but 
that it was all arranged by the family. The cermony can take place 
in the parlor just before supper. 

Fogg. It isn't to be in this house. 

CoRT. Where then? 

Fogg. At the clergyman's house, just around the corner. 

CoRT. Around the comer! 

Fogg. {confidentiaUy). I fancy that Miss Cortland has a bit of 
romance in her composition, so she planned a sort of elopement — as it 
were. 

CoRT. My sister plan an elopement! 

Fogg. Only a little one, you know. 

CoRT. You must be dreaming. 

Fogg. No I'm not. She has secured the parson and the carriage 
is at the door. 

CoRT. Oh! this is incredible! It is hardly decent. At all events 
I will go with you and give her away. 

Fogg. You'll "give me away '' if you do. She did not intend 
you to know; but 1 thought it only fair to tell you. Now don't you 
think, seeing it's all right and square, that you'd better let her have 
her own way; and you can give her your blessing later? 

CoRT Well, well, this is a queer freak. If I must not go with 
you, at least I'll be on the watch, and will throw a slipper after you. 

( Exit Fogg and Cortland, l.) 
Enter Lee, 2. r. 

Lee. {solus.) This suspense is killing. I dare not stay in the 
ball-room lest my agitation should be observed. I saw her among 
the dancers, and the rose is in her hair. 

Re-enter Fogg, l. 

Fogg, {aside). The old gentleman is agreeable and now I'm 



ACT ir. 31 

ready to face the music. By the way, that reminds me that there's 
the piper to pay. I'll have to be married " i« forma pauperis '' un- 
less somebody will lend me the money. Probably Miss Cortland 
would think it queer, if I borrowed it from her {addressing Lee). 
0, I say, Mr. Lee — 

Lee. Well, sir? 

Fogg. I've a little appointment this evening, which requires an 
unexpected expenditure. 

Lee. What is that to me? 

Fogg. Nothing, to be sure, unless you choose; but you would much 
oblige me by a short loan. 

Lee. Psha! [turning away), 

Fogg. Your manner is as short as the loan I asked for. I'm not 
so intrusive as I may appear, because, in fact, I'm about to enter the 
family. 

Lee. Indeed! 

Fogg. Yes, I don't mind telling you, — in confidence. I'm to mar- 
ry Miss Cortland. 

Lee. Marry Miss Cortland! 

Fogg. Miss Patience Cortland. 

Lee. Oh! Miss Patience. I admire your ttiste. She is an excel- 
lent lady; and doubtless her fortune has many attractions for you, Mr. 
Bogg? 

Fogg. Fogg, sir, Fogg. As to her fortune that is neither here or 
there ! 

Lee. Just SO; as you acutely remark, at present it is neither here 
nor there. However, accept my congratulations. 

Fogg. I'd sooner accept the loan I mentioned. 

Lee. How much do you want? 

Fogg. I suppose that fifty dollars would be about the correct thing. 

Lee. {aside). It's all he'll ever see of her money. {Hands bill). 
Well, here's the fifty, Mr. Hogg. Don't spend it foolishly. Better 
put it into a government bond. Lay it up for a rainy day, 

Fogg. I'll return it to-morrow morning — 

Lee. Suit yourself. 

Fogg. With interest of course; with interest. I don't mind a six- 
teenth per cent. 

Lee. 0, bother! {Turns away). 

Fogg. And permit me to remark, sir, that my name is Fogg; Puf- 
fendorf Fogg, Attorney at law. 

Lee. {impatiently). Fogg, Bogg, Gog or Magog; what do I care 
for your name? {Paces about nervously.) 

Fogg. 

" He who filches from me my good nam© 
" Robs me of that which not euriches him 
" And leaves me poor indeed." 

{Aside.) He knew my name well enough and changed it just to 
annoy me. The offense is almost equal to forgery. I wonder why Pa- 
tience doesn't come. I'll go and look after her. {Exit, l.) 

Lee. {solus). Her love is the last plank that holds me to life. If 
that fails, I care not how soon the waves overwhelm me. How pretty 
she is; how sweet; how innocent! Once she is mine 1 '11 turn my back 
on my former yeara. We will go faraway where I am not known; 
and the past shall fade out of my life as a bad dream fades when the 
morning sunshine streams in at the window. Would that I were 
worthy of her! Would that 1 had youth, wealth, fame, a family 



32 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

name, unspotted honor, that I miffht lay them all at her feet! I have 
none of them; but I can not ffive her up, I will not. 

Enter Jef, l, 

Jepp. Here is a note, sir, which Miss Carrie asked me to give you. 

Lee. Thanks. {He opens it, trembling.) 

Jeff. {Aside). 'Pears like he was more discombobberated than 
the other one. _ _ {Exit. Ti. 2.) 

Lee. What is this? {reads) "A sincere friend entreats you no lon- 
ger to maintain your incognito." Am I discovered? {rends) "Those 
" nearest to you most need your h^^lp, and will welcome the wanderer 
"home." This is inexphcable. It is Game's handwriting, and yet 
seems intended for some one else. {Starting uj).) Jeff, must have d(>- 
livered the wrong message. Where is he? {Exit, u. 2) 

Enter Fogg a»(Z Patience, with dog, l. 2. 

Fogg. You don't mean to say that you're going to take the dog 
along? 

Pat. 0, yes, Mr. Fogg: I shall feel so much more comfortable. 
He will be some protection to me. 

Fogg. I'm your natural protector now, my dear. 

Pat. Not quite yet, Mr. Fogg. When the minister has blessed our 
union you will occupy that position, but in this emergency — 0! I must 
have Fido along! 

Fogg. Well, suit yourself. You're the mistress of ceremonies. 

Pat. Don't speak unkindly to your poor Patience, when she is 
making such a sacrifice for your sake. 

Fogg, {surprised.) Oii, you look on it in that light? Upon my 
soul, I thought it was just the other way. 

Pat. What do you mean? 

Fogg. Never mind now. Least said the soonest mended. Which 
is the primrose path to the nuptial bower? 

Pat. Maj. Sennett said we must go out at this door, and through 
the side gate. 

Fogg. Maj. Sennett seems to be very forward in this business. 

Pat. He is a very earnest friend of yours. 

Fogg. "A friend in need, is a friend indeed." 
'" Pat. I would never have consented to this step if he had not pleaded 
your cause so warmly. 

Fogg. Humph! You must remember him in your will. 

Pat. I feel so agitated! Keep hold of me dear. 

Fogg. Be easy. And if you can't be easy, be as easy as you can. 

Pat. I feel such a palpitation ! 

Fogg. Can I get anything for you ? 

Pat. Kiss me, dear, and that will comfort me. {He Jcisses her). 
Come along Fido. Mind the steps. 

{Exit Fogg and Patience at backdoor.) 

Cortland enters, 2 l., with child's shoe. 

CoRT. {solus). Dear old Patience. I hope she may find the hap- 
piness she waited for so long. This little shoe was worn by my baby 
girl when she prattled beside my knee. {Kisses it and throws it out 
of the door.) May good fortune attend thee, sister, through all thy 
pilgrimage, {comes forward.) The child's slipper was long ago 
outgrown. She too is a woman, now. She too will find a mate, and 
go away, and then I shall be left alone, all alone! {He sits dejectedly.) 

Enter Carrie, 2 l., she glances around nercously, then advctnces 
so/^?y to Cortland! 



ACT II. 33 

Car. Are you tired, uncle? 

CoRT. A little, my dear. 

Car. I am so sorry. I would like to spare you every pain, and yet 
—0, Uncle, be sure that I love you! If ever I am foolish, aiidwronu- 
headed, and — and unhappy, you will not blame me: you will not 
cease to love me ? 

CoRT. Why, what is this, Pet? 

Car. Nothing; I believe I am nervous and excited. I wish your 
poor tired eyes were at rest. (Kissing his eyelids.) There, I must 
go now. I only wanted to say how dearly I love you. {Exit, 2 i..) 

Enter Sennett, 2 r. He looks toward Carrie, then sits hi/ 
Cortland. 

Sen. Your daughter and niece look charmingly, this evening. 

CoRT. Thank you. 

Sen. It is we who should thank you for so much grace and loveli- 
ness. (Cortland looks up surprised.) You are truly a fortunate 
miin, 

Cort. They are good children, sir, and I ought to be — happy 
[f/looniili/). 

Sen. Please excuse me if I seem intrusive. — I have a good reason 
for speaking. I understand that the course of the market to-day has 
been against you? 

Cort. It has sir, heavily. 

Sen. Your manager, Mr. Lee, has perhaps been over sanguine? 

Cort. (hitterli)). He has been utterly reckless! he has cast my 
fortune to the winds! (more qnietlij). But why should] blame him! 
I have only myself to thank for it. 

Sen. You are interested in the telegraph stocks, I believe? 

Cort. So deeply, that the fall in them sweeps away the earnings 
of a lifetime. 

Sen. 1 am sure that this depression is fictitious; and when the tem- 
porary pressure is withdrawn the stock will rebound. 

Cort. It may be so; but it will not avail me. 

Sen. You must let your friends help you in this crisis! (C. mal:(s 
a negative gesture). Nay, hear me. Mr. Thorne, whose father was 
your friend and partner, is anxious to place his means at your service. 

Cort. It would be a sorry retain for the father's friendship, if I 
were to ruin his son. 

Sen. I also beg leave to assist you, in the name of your son — 

Cort. (eagerli/). What of him? 

Sen. He and I were comrades and friends. In distant lands; be- 
neath burning skies; in the red smoke of battle; we have toiled and 
fought, a,nd suffered together. 

Cort. Long ago he left his home, and turned his back upon those 
who loved him. 

Sen. Long ago he repented of his boyish folly, and many a night, 
under the desert stars, his pillow has been wet with tears as he 
thought of the dear ones, far away. 

Cort. Then why does he not return? His mother mourned hiiji 
all her days, and I grow old and feeble without his stay. 

Sen. Believe me, he will come. He asked me to beg your forgive- 
ness and your blessing. 

Cort. (rising). O, little does he know a father's love that he should 
deem such meditation needful. But bid him come to me; bid him 
come. 

Sen. And you will accept me as a friend for his sake? 



34 AN AMEKICAN PASHA. 

CoRT. Yes; I must not give him up now (rifting). Doubtless my 
boy is poor; and 1 must make him welcome when he comes home. 
(going). When our pfuests are gone sir, I will confer with you; and 
we will make a good fight together. (Exit 2 l.) 

Sen. (soZ»s). Poor old father ! I must pull him out of this hole, 
before I tell him, or he would let business go to rack in the excite- 
ment over my return. 

Enter Lee, 2 K. 

Lee, How d'ye do Major? Are you not dancing this evening? 

Sen. (lighthj). No, 1 am making other people dance. 

Lee. The luck vfas rather against you at our seance last night, but 
1 hold myself at your service. You shall have your revenge. 

Sen, (smiling). I intend to, I assure you. 

Lee, By the way, I fear the servant made an absurd mistake by 
giving you a note which was intended for me. Did you receive such 
an one? 

Sen. An envelope was handed tome without an address; so I vio- 
lated no confidence by opening it. 

Lee. 0, certainly not (pauses). And I am sure Maj. Sennett is 
too honorable a player to take any advantage of an accidental glance 
at his neighbor's cards? 

Sen, Might not the obligation be different if he happened to see a 
card in his neighbor's sleeve ? 

Lee, Sir? 

Sen, I was only pursuing your own simile. Don't be offended, 

Lee, I confess I was f'riglitened at first, lest the note had fallen 
into the hands of a rival. 

Sen, (regarding him njnicalhj). Of you? 0, dear no! 

Lee, That would have been too bitter! She loves me; she is 
mine; and no one shall wrest her from me (with emotion). She is my 
rosebud, my lily, my innocent dove! 

Sen. (aside). Hound! (aloud; sarcasticalh/). You are a lucky 
dog Mr, Lee! Or rather it seems you are a hawk; with a penchant 
for doves. It is a dangerous ta.ste to cultivate. You must keep a 
sharp lookout for the keeper — and his gun ! 

Lee, (aside). How much does he know ? Can he mean mischief ? 
(aloud). Well, if there should be a chase, at least you would not 
join the pursuers? 

Sen. 0, as to that, the keeper must guard his dove-cote if he can, 
I've enough to do with my own affairs, 

Lee. Then you will not mention to any one the note which you 
received? 

Sen, I will not mention it. 

Lee. Thank you sir (looking hacTc suspiciously). (Exit n.) 

Sen. (solus). He is thankful for small favors. It is refreshing to 
meet occasionally with a grateful disposition. 

Enter Carrie, l., (she advances hesitatingly.) 

Car, In a brown study, Maj, Sennett. Are the cares of State 
weighing upon you? 

Sen. (smiling). Not very heavily. My duties at present are in 
the lighter paths of diplomacy. 

Car, I fancy that when you are not engaged in public affairs you 
seek amusement by mystifying your friends? 

Sen, How! for example? 

Car. Well, for one thing, by assuming a name which doesn't 
belong to you. 



ACT II. 35 

Sen. My name not belong' to me! . 

Car. It depends upon which name you mean, Maj. — Sennett. 

Sen. It shaU be whatever you please, if yoa will add to it the title 
of your very devoted servant. 

Car. And cousin ! 

Sen. And cousin {Jcisshig her hand). Allow me to renew my 
allegiance. 

Car. Now tell me, upon your faith as a loyal subject, why do you 
go about, disguised like another Haroun al Raschid in search of ad- 
ventures? 

Sen. That is a State secret at present. We must be silent and 
discreet. But take mv arm and 1 will tell you a fairy story. [She 
hesitates, then fakes his arm. They go up.) 

Cak. And does it end happily.) 

Sen. You shall decide. Please hear the beginning first. There 
was once upon a time — {they pass out '•^ k.) 

Enter Dora, 1j., followed hy Thorne. 

Dora, {impatiently). 0, you are too absurd! 

Thohne. I don't see why it's absurd. We have known each other 
so long. 

Dora. AVhich makes it the more ridiculous that you should burst 
out in this way. [Throics hrself into a seat, u., front.) 

Thorne. And lately, since I've seen you so often. 

Dora. A grr-at deal too often. 

Thorne. Please don't say that. 

Dora. Wby can't you be nice and comfortable as you used to be? 

Thorne {ruefully). You must have known, all along, that I 
loved you. 

Dora [opening eyes wide). How rould I know? 

Thorne. And now I tell you so, plainly. 

Dora {severely). The man I marry must be distinguished; a 
great politician, or financier, or a writer, or discoverer. 

Thorne. Very well; I'll distinguish myself. Only give me a 
little time. 

Dora. Certainly, take all the time you want. 

Thorne. In what way would you prefer me to distinguish myself? 

Dora. 0, anythmg, anything; it is quite immaterial- Suppose 
you imitate Maj. Sennett, and civilize the natives in the interior 
of Africa. 

Thorne (bitterly). Or suppose I go to the North Pole in a bal- 
loon. 

Dora. Oh, do, Frank! That would be splendid. 

Thorne. If I got my neck broken, you would not shed a tear for 
me. 

Dora {reproachfully). Why Frank, to be sure I would; two 
tears if you like. [They continue in dumb show.) 

Enter Sennett and Carrie r. 3. 

Car. And so, after many years ? 

Sen. And many wanderings, he i-eturned to his home. The beau- 
tiful child whom he remembered had become an enchanting woman, 
and he laid his unwasted heart and his honors at her feet. Does 
the story end happily? Will she accept them? 

[they come down.) 

Car. [affected, but with forced jjlay fulness.) Do you always 
makeyoui- proposals so prettily. Major? 

Sen. What? I don't understand. 



36 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

Car. 0, I laeard you confiding to Frank your kind intentions. 

Sen. Which disproves the saying that "listeners never hear any 
good of themselves." And what is the queen's answer to her subject's 
petition. 

Car. " La Reine S'avisera;''^ the queen will consider further. 

Sen. But that was a formula of rejection which is obsolete. It 
was used by the Queens who governed in the bad, old, times. 

Car. And shall I not govern here? 

Sen. {tenderly). Is it not enough to reign ? 

{they continue in dunib show.) 

Thorne. And you positively won't marry me? 

Dora. Decidedly not. 

Thorne. We have been such good friends: and now to separate 
forever. 

Dora. We will continue good friends if you do not talk nonsense. 

Thorne {wistfully). Oh! Dora, you are so beautiful, and so cruel. 
Give me one kiss before we part. 

Dora. Excuse me; I never kiss gentlemen — nor boys! 

Thorne. Please — only one. 

Dora {rising). Well, I'll allow you to kiss me — {he start s eagerly) 
whenever you find me with my eyes shut and my mouth open! 

Thorne. Dora! (Dora passes out rapidly, 3d l., followed by 
Thorne. ) 

Car. Forgive me. It is impossible. 

Skn. You do not dislike me? 

Car. No, no; it is not that. And do not think that I do not value 
your love. As long as live I will remember with tenderness and 
pride this sacred hour. {Turns face aside, her voice tremhling.) And 
you will remember it — though without regret — in happy years to 
come, when some true woman shall stand, a proud and loyal wife, 
beside you. 

Sen. You shall be that woman, dear. 

Car. It can not be. 

Sen. You are in trouble, Carrie. Let me help you. 

Car. No one can help me. I have chosen my path, and needs 
must follow it. 

Sen. You have been led by some Will-o'-the-wisp into a morass 
whose noisome exhalations stifle you. But, come; you have only to 
■quit its deadly shade and breathe Heaven's pure air again. 

Car. It is too late. 

Sen. It is not too late. 

Car. You do not know. I am not free. {Hurriedly .) But do not 
trouble yourself about me. I am glad that you have come home, 
■Cousin — very glad. You will be a comfort and help to Uncle when — 
{checks herself). I am sure he needs you. He has not seemed 
strong, lately. 

Sen. His burdens are too heavy for him. Even now he is threat- 
ened with ruin. 

Car. Poor, dear Uncle! 

Sen. He has treated you as a daughter? 

Car. Oh, yes! I have scarcely realized that I was an orphan, he 
has cherished me so tenderly. 

Sen. And he lives only for his children. The young have so many 
pleasures — the old, so few. As, one by one, from the volume of their 
hopes the pages are torn away, they cling more earnestly to the Sibyl- 
line leaves that remain. When the shadows lengthen towards life's 



ACT III. 37 

close, a parent's love only becomes stronger. He plans for himself 
no more, but only for those who will live when he shall sleep. [She 
fakes the rose from her hair and drops it on the floor.) Surely, it is 
not too much, to repay with perfect trust this uncalculating love. 

Car. 0, say no more! You have shown me how thoughtless — 
how cruel I might be. 

Enter Lee, r. 

Lee. Carrie — Miss Ely, I believe you are engaged to me. We 
must take our places. (Carrie shrinks back, Sennett places him- 
self between them.) 

Sen. (quietly). Miss Ely is tired, Mr. Lee. She begs to cancel her 
engagements for the rest of the evening. 

Enter Fogg [carrijing dog), and Patience at back. 

Lee. What is she to you? What right have you to speak for her? 

Sen. The right of a gentleman to defend the innocent and un- 
protected. 

Lee. Carrie, shall this man come between us? Speak to me. 

{She shrinks aivay.) 

Sen. {to Carrie). Will you go with him? 

Car. {clasping Sennett's arm). 0, not now. No. 

Sen. You see, sir, that the game is up. Your victim will escape 
you. 

TABLEAU — Lee's attitude is defiant; Sennett's calm; Carrie's 

apprehensive. 

Patience. 
. Fogg. 

Sennett. 
Lee. Carrie. 

QxTRT Kin falls, then rises again. Carrie lies fainting in arms 
of S'E.THTfJKTT, who gazes fondhj upon her; Lee has turned aside, 
his head down; Fogg has dropped the dog, and is fanning Pa- 
tience, who has fallen back in a chair. 



ACT in. 

Library room, enclosed. Handsome furniture. Open doorway, 2 
R. Fireplace, 3 R. Doors, 2 L. and at r. hack. Book shelves 
along back. Windaw, 3 l. and Cylinder office desk near it. 
Stock Indicator by window. Bell Telephone at end of book- 
shelves. Center-table, chairs, d-c. Cortland discovered, sitting 
at his desk. 

CORT. The weary days go round; and each day the clouds lower 
more darkly. 1 can see no break in them; no promise for the morrow. 
The rising flood will overwhelm me; and all ray household gods, 
books, pictures, even these old walls, will soon be driftwood upon its 
rushing tide. He sits moodily. 



38 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

Enter Jeff. r. 

Jeff. Here's the mail, sir. Postman was a little late this morning'. 

CoKT. Where were you just now? I wanted you. 

Jeff. Mrs. Fogg sent me out for a barber, sir._ She wouldn't let 
Mr. Fogg shave this morning. 'Fraid he'd cut himself, he! he! 

CoKT. Whatever Mrs. Fogg directs, you will please to do without 
comment. 

Jeff. Yes, sir; of course, sir, {Exit.^.) 

CoHT. [opening letters). Here are the bills for Dora's little party. 
(runs them ovei-). Poor child! her's was a brief glimpse into the gay 
world of ease and pleasure ; a world which the icy hand of poveiiy 
will soon close to her forever. 

Enter Dora, d. r. c. 

Dora. Are you alone, papa? Where is your lazy secretary? 

CoRT. I have not seen Maj. Sennett this morning. 

Dora. A new broom ought to sweep early. I'm afraid he won't 
do. 

CoRT. He will do very well while I requu-e a secretary. It will not 
be for long. 

Dora. Why not, papa? 

CoRT. Because, child, I am ruined. [She strokes his head softly.) 
Major Sennett has been working night and day to arrange my afFaii's 
and has made great personal sacrifices to protect me. But it is all in 
vain. 

Dora, [caressing him). Dear, dear, papa! I know that it is only 
for your children's sake that these losses trouble you. 

CoRT. Yes, dear. 

Dora. Indeed we will not mind them — I've often heard you tell 
how happy you were, with mamma, when Will and 1 were little 
things. 

CoRT. Those were blessed days. 

Dora. And you lived then in a little house, among unfashionable 
people. 

Cort. Your mother was a household fairy, whose touch could change 
even a hovel into a beautiful home, 

Dora. And the magic that she used was love! Dear papa, let Will 
and myself be your household fairies; and if misfortune come, it may 
be only a blessing in disguise, since it will knit us closer together. 

Cort. Thank you, pet. I ought not to repine while you are left to 
me. But it is hard to see my life-work perish; to see the fabric fall 
in a night and crumble into dust, which I raised so carefully through 
patient years. It is very bitter. 

Enter Patience, l. d. 

Pat. Brother John I'm very much troubled about your affairs. 
You must make use of my money just as if it were your own. 

Cort, Thank you, sister [aside). How can I tell her? But in fact 
— the truth is — it has been used already. 

Pat. How can that be? 

Cort. Mr. Lee had plunged me so deeply in speculation that he 
seized whatever he could lay his hands on to stem the current. 

Pat. 0, the reprobate! 

Cort. I did not know of this; but it was all my fault. T have 
wronged, you Patience, wronged you deeply; and you too, my darling. 

Dora. no, papa, no. 

Cort. You must try and forgive me (rfsm^'). Give me your arm. 



ACT III. 39 

sister; I wil retire awhile (^rooi^r). I ought to help you, instead of 
being a burden; but I am nerveless now, and my hope and courage 
are alike dead. 

{Exit Pat. and Cort., l. d. 
Dora (alone). How sad poor papa is. I hope his dear face will 
brighten when brother comes home. — I wish I could do something for 
him. I will arrange his papers {examines bills, d'c). Perhaps 
these bills were worrying him. 

Enter Thorne, r. 

Thorne. I hope I don't intrude. May I come in? 

Dora. Why CQxt?im\y {pushing chair to fire). Sit down there {he 
sits). And here's the newspaper for you {gives it). That's right. 
You look like a Bachelor of Arts. 

Thorne {sentimentally). A bachelor of /^ertr<.9, you mean? 

Dora. 0, you want to stick on an H, do you? That's because the 
fellows of your set want everything so Henglish, you know {sits at 
desk). Now, don't talk; because I've business to attend to. 

Thorne {turning around). You! 

Dora. Yes. I'm deputy secretary. I've got to examine these bills. 

Thorne {declaiming). " Hans Breitman gave a party. Where 
is that party now!" 

Dora. dear, I can't manage it. 

Thorne {getting tip). Then let me help you. 

Dora. I want to pay these out of my own money, and there isn't 
enough. 

Thorne. Does your father expect you to pay them ? 

Dora. Of course not; but Frank {solemnly), 1 do believe papa is 
so hard up that he hasn't the money himself. 

Thorne. You don't say so? {she nods). Well, I'll see to them 
{pockets papers) and your father can pay me, later. 

Dora. But suppose he can't? 

Thorne. It isn't a supposable case. Still, if it should happen, 
he can spout something. 

Dora. The idea of papa spouting at his age; " My name is Norval," 
for example! Frank, you are perfectly ridiculous. 

Thorne. I know it; but there's a reason, — I've been with you so 
much ! 

Dora. What do you mean, sir? 

Thorne {smiting his breast). 

" You may break, you may shatter, this vase if you" choose to. ^1 
" But the scent of the roses will cling" where it used to! 

£■»<«»' Sennett, r. back. 

Sen. {gaily). Good morning Miss Dora. You look as fresh as a 
basket of roses. How d'ye do, Frank? {goes to desk). Hello! who's 
been disturbing my papers? 

Thorne. Dora was playing at business. 

Sen. " How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour." 
{strikes telephone). Connect me with Pinkem & Snap. 

Thorne {to Dora). They're the great detectives {signal at tel.). 

Dora. What can he want with them? 

Sen. {listening at telephone). What progress? (pause). When 
does the steamer sail? (pause). No; you may wait awhile. Keep a 
sharp watch upon him, and call me up if anything occurs. Good 
bye (rings off). 



40 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

Dora {to Sen). Are you asking about a steamer for yourself al- 
ready ? 

Sen. Oh no. 

Dora. For whom, then? 

Sen. You mustn't ask indiscreet questions. Pretty girls should be 
seen and not heard {sits at desk). 

Dora {anxiously). Tell me, Major Sennett, whether, papa's affairs 
are really as bad as he says. 

Sen. How bad is that? 

Dora. He says that he is ruined. I don't see how a rich man, like 
papa, can be ruined all at once, do you? 

Sen. No. 

Dora. And now that you have taken hold, I'm sure you'll make a 
strong fight ? 

Sen. {writing). With no thought of surrender. 

Thorne {at mantel; he has opened a small box). Let the man 
who talks of surrender be shot on the spot. 

Dora. What have you there, Frank? 

Thorne. Bonbons. 

Dora. Give me some; I like bonbons. 

Thorne. " Sweets to the sweet," as the good queen remarks when 
she slings flowers into Ophelia's grave. 

Dora. You ought to be an actor. 

Thorne. 1 intend to be (holding up bonhon). Now; "Open your 
mouth and shut your eyes {she does so), and I'll give you something" 
{kissing her) to cause surprise! 

Dora. How dare you, sir! 

Thorne. but you said I might whenever I found you with your 
mouth open, and 

Dora, (pouting). Aren't you ashamed to treat a poor blind girl so? 

Sen. What are you two quarreling about? 

Dora. He kissed me; the wretch! 

Thorne. She gave me leave. 

Sen. (rising, ivith pajjers in hand). Well, it's a shame — so early 
in the morning! Don't go away Frank, I want to see you presently. 

{Exit, R. D. BACK.) 

Dora (seriously). Frank, papa told me of the sacrifice you offered 
to make for him. It was very kind of you, and shall never forget 
it. You mustn't talk any more nonsense to me; but we will be good 
friends, and I shall always be glad to see you. 

Thorne {sentimentally): 

" A little nonsense now and then, 
Is relished by the best of men." 

Dora (inertly). That is no reason why you should relish it! 

Enter 'hoGG. "2 R., in smoking cap and dressing gown. He skips 
about, gently, during the following : 

Fogg. How are you, Mr. Thorne? 

Dora. My goodness, Mr. Fogg, what is the matter? 

Thorne. You haven't got St. Vitus' dance, have you? 

'\)ouK (pretending alarm). He's got the fidgets! 1 hope it isn't 
catching. 

Thorne. Perhaps he's practicing a new step for the next ball. 

Fogg. You needn't think that I'm doing this to amuse myself. It's 
by the Doctor's directions. 

Thorne. Come, that's too thin. 



ACT iir. 41 

Fogg. I've got the sciatica, — ugli! what a twinge— and the Doctor 
said I must jump about every third day. 

Dora. 1 never heard of such a thing. 

Thorne. He must be a lunatic. 

Fogg. Those are his orders, — dear! — and Mrs. Fogg's. All I 
have to do is to follow them. 

{Enter Patiknce, l.) 

Dora. Aunty; did your Doctor do anything so ridiculous? 
Pat. As what, dear. 

Dora. As to set poor Mr. Fogg going like a dancing Dervish? 
Pat. My dear, it is necessary for his health. 

rp >■ Let us see the prescription. 

Pat. I remember it perfectly. Mr. Fogg is to apply the liniment 
for two days, and then skip on the third day. This is tlie day that he 
has to skip {the others laugh). 
Fogg. Eh! {sits doivn suddenht). 
Dora. It didn't mean any such thing. 
Pat. What then? 

Dora. Whv, that he is to use the liniment for two days, and then 
omit it for a day. 

Pat. {doKhtfully). Oh! 

Fogg {ffohig). Patty, you'll be the death of me yet. 
Pat. Where are going love? 
Fogg. To take a little smoke, my dear. 

Pat. a smoke! The doctor said you mustn't smoke; and I can 
not abide tobacco. 
Fogg. I'll go to the conservatoiy. 

Pat. And spoil the flowers! No, I will not have you smoke. I 
couldn't endure a husband who smoked. 

Fogg {meekly). Very well, dear. I'll just go and get my coat. 

{Exit, R. D., hack.) 

Vxr. (aside). Poor Puffey, he feels disappointed . I'll go and he!p 

him on with his coat. _ {Exit, n. v>., back.) 

Thorne. Your aunt keeps the bearing rain checked up rather 

tight. 

Dora {laughs). Yes, poor Puffy. 

Thorne. The next time she falls into the river, I guess that Rip 
Van Winkle will " let her schwim "! 

Enter Sennett r. d. back. 
Sen. Well, it will soon be decided one way or the other. 
Thorne. Can you pull through to-day? 

Sen. If Transcontniental doesn't fall below sixty. This is hard 
woik. Two days ago I sunk ^50,000. 
Thorne. Alas, yes. 

Sen. And yesterday you sunk a like amount. 
Thorne. Yes. 

Sen. It is like building a tramway across a bog. We construct 
our fascines; put them in position; and they sink out of sight. 
Thorne. Clear out of sight? 

Sen. The only question is whether we can get the better of the bog, 
or whether we shall be swamped by it. An inch or two at last may 
make all the difference. 
Thorne. What have you done since yesterday? 
Sen. This morning I dumped in another fifty thousand. I've 



42 AN AMEKICAN PASHA. 

thrown uy last spadeful of earth, and can do no more. 

Enter Caurie, 2 l. 

Car. The Morning Oracle insists that " Transcontinental " will go 
down to 50. 

Sen. And like the oracles of old it labors hard to fulfil its own 
prophecy. 

Dora. What is your opinion, Frank? 

TnoRNE. I never have an opinion until I read ray morning paper. 
The editors do all our thinking for us now-a-days. 

Dora. Prof. Poppenhauser says that the daily press is almost the 
air we breathe. 

Thorne. And a very foggy vapor it is, too. 

Sen. a press independent and pure is indeed like the vital air. 
But, 0, shame upon those who pollute this atmosphere; who make it 
reek with the foul odors of scandal and hate, or heavy with the seeds 
of financial niin! 

Car. Are there many such? 

Sen. Even one were too many. {cxcife'Jh/.) When I look abroad 
and see the streams of intelligence poisonpd at their source; when 1 
see the vast game of speculation, in which the great gamblers play 
with marked cards and loaded dice, when I see trustees and directors 
betraying their trust; when the shepherds emulate the wolves and rend 
their victims, whom in derision they term " lambs," it sickens me. 

Thorne. Hear, hear! 

Sen. Take, for exarnple, this combination in which we are in- 
volved. A few conspirators, controlling two great corporations, 
threaten a deadly strife. The timid public throw the stocks upon 
the market; their value is beaten down by every trick of artifice and 
falsehood. Meanwhile the architects of ruin are ga'hering the spoil. 
When they are satiated, they will throw off the mask, and proclaim 
themselves the shameless confederates that they are. The rich will 
be richer and the poor will be poorer. Dives will add to his millions, 
and Lazarus, ruined, may beg at his gate. And these men think 
that their victims will submit forever! 

Thorne {to Dora). The Major is rather " in 'Ercle's vein " this 
morning. {Sigunl at telephone.) 

Sen. (at telephone). Hello! (listenhifj). All right; good bye. 
{rings off). Only a message concerning our friend the commissaiy. 

Thorne. And how goes the commissary? 

Sen. He is about to seek " fresh fields and pastures new." An 
hour ago he bought a quantity of Government Bonds and a ticket 
for Bremen. 

Thorne. He followed the advice of the virtuous lago and " puts 
money in his purse." 

Sen. Mr. Lee will be surprised to learn how closely his actions are 
reported here. 

Thorne. He is so far, and yet so near! 

Dora. Cannot he be forced to make restitution? 

Sen. It inight be difficult to make oat a case. But I've anotlipr 
hold upon him, growing out of his Egyptian transactions. I re- 
ceived the needful documents yesterday. {Carrie .<tee)ns distressed.) 

Dora {at doorway). Come with me Frank; 1 want to show you 
my birthday gifts {aside to him). We are only de trop here. 

Thorne {to Dora). They're not spooning. 

Dora. Not spooning, you goose? Well, do give them a chance! 

{Exit u'ith Thorne, r.) 



ACT III. 43 

Car. [with effort). What is it you were saying, just now, about 
some documents. 

Sen. Never mind dear. I spoke too hastily. 

Car. Do you i tend to arrest Mr. Lee V 

Sen. Well, perhaps — it isn't certain — 

Car. 0, cousin. Consider me a little! 

Sen. Be at rest; your name shall not be mentioned. 

Car. But it would be terrible to see one whom — whom I have 
known, arraigned as a felon. 

Sen. He shall make restitution. 

Car If he can, yoa mean ? And that reminds me of another thing, 
cousin. In this crisis of uncle's affairs I want you to use my means 
freely to extricate him. 

Sen. Thanks, sweetheart; but they are already in jeopardy. 

Car. Already? 

Sen. Hypothecated by the man you have been defending. 

Car. [clasping hands); 0, how desperate and reckless he has 
been ! 

Sen. Would you still show him mercy? 

Car. Surely you would not have me feel my own loss more keenly 
than uncle's ruin? 

Sen. There must be some good in the fellow if you can pity him. 
Well, the financial battle will soon be decided. If it goes against 
us I must once more seek my fortune on a foreign shore. 

Car. And why not here ? 

Sen. Because it would take years to gain the position, which I can 
command there. But disaster shall not shake my courage if I may 
hold this dear hand in mine. (taking her hand.) 

Car. 0, cousin, do not speak like that. I mu-t be wiser than you 
are. If I could bring myself to consent it would be only cruelty to 
you. 

Sen. I will be the judge of that. 

Car. If you go abroad it will be to retrieve your lost fortune. And 
how could you be hampered by the burden of a portionless bride? 

Sen. 0, the self-abnegation of women! (tenderl//). A girl, rich 
in youth and beauty; the child of careful nurture, of love and of 
holy priyers; gives herself, witli all her dowry of affection and in- 
spiration; and because she brings no eai-thly dross, but only those 
things which link her with the sisterhood of the skies, she is called 
portionless. (Carrie looks intentlg into his face). What are we men 
that you should care for us? We look in the glass and we see what 
we are; but what you see in us. who can tell? 

Car. Perhaps a brighter self than you can recognize. 

Enter Patience, l. 

Pat. Your uncle asked for you, Carrie. 

Car. I'll go to him. 

Sen. I must attend to business, bye-bye. 

Exit Carrie, l. Exit Sennett, r. d., back. 

Enter Fogg, {irith hat) r. d., hack, passing Sennett. 
Paj. Where are you going Puffy. 
Fogg. I am going out. 
Pat. Wait just a minute and I'll get ready. 
Fogg. But I am going on business dear. 

Pat. Wherever you please love. Your business will always inter- 
est me. 



44 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

Fogg, You will find it very muddy and disagreeable my pet. 

Pat. I shan't mind it in your company, dear. 

Fogg. But really, Patty, it's hardly the thing for you to be knock- 
ing about in hotel corriders, and offices, and so on. 

Pat. And could my Puffy run away from his little wife when 
we've been manied only three short days? 

Fogg, {aside). Short? — 0, Lord. 

Pat. I'll be ready in five minutes. {Exit, L.) 

Fogg, {solus). I have joined the innumerable caravan of fools, w ho 
marry in haste, and repent at leisure. Nature never intended me 
for a married man, and I haven't been trained to pull in double har- 
ness, I've scarcely had one minute to mys -If since the bit was 
placed in my mouth at the bridal halter! Talk of matrimony as 
merely "changing one's condition!" It's worse than a transmigra- 
tion of souls! It is a moral earthquake. ^^ Non sumqualis eram;'' 
I am not the man I was. I'm no longer myself; I've lost my iden- 
tity; I'm only half of a human being; and Mrs. Fogg is the " better 
half." I can't even call my face my own. This morning she for- 
bade me shaving because it made her nervous to see the blade 
touch my beloved cheek. And I submitted; I submitted tamely! 
I hadn't cheek enough to resist. {Re-enter Sennett and goes to 
desk.) I think I would like to withdraw from society awhile, and go 
to New Jersey. 

Sen. {writing). What are you growling about Fogg. 

Fogg. 0, I feel miserable! I wish I had a "pick-me-up." Some 
people pretend tliatthe world is round, but they don't know anything 
about it. It is flat; flat as a flounder; " flat, stale and unprofitable." 

Sen. Your'e a little jaundiced this morning. 

Fogg. Why did you persuade me to marry in such indecent haste? 
It was opposed to the whole current of my philosophy, which is 
never to do to-day what can be put off until to morrow. 

Sen. Pshaw! You'd have been married soon, anyhow. 

Fogg. I don't know that. Procrastination is the mother — the 
mother of inventions! If I had taken time to consider, I might 
have found some way out of it. It would have been a reprieve, and 
tliere's always hopes of a pardon so long as one's neck is not in the 
fatal noose. 

Sen. {laughing). You are not complimentary to your spouse. 
Doesn't she make you a good wife? 

Fogg. What I object to is the marriage state. She is too much of 

a good thing. She clings to me closer than a brother. There's 

nothing equal to it since the Siamese twins. She sticks like a burr; 

like a porous plaster; like a limpet to a rock. And she thinks it is 

all right. She goes in for that sort of thing — 

" Two souls with but a single thought, 
Two hearts that beat as one. 

It strikes me that one thought for two souls is a small allowance. 
One ought to at least have two or three idea.s to rattle around totrether. 

Sen. You must assert your individuality, and insist upon having 
your own half of the time. 

Fogg. It is easy to talk; but if a woman don't get her own way 
she always cries, and then what can a man do ? 

Sen. In that case, I think he must run away. Your wife is like a 
child with a new cat, and will fondle you to death if you let her. 
Speaking of cats reminds me of the way in which a judicious friend 
of mine obtained the mastery in his household. 



ACT III. 45 

FoGO, What did he do? 

Sen, His wife had a favorite tabby; and, on the evening- of their 
wedding-day, he quietly remarked that he didn't like cats; took the 
animal gently but firmly from her lap, and threw it out of a fifth 
story wmdow. He never had any trouble in the family. 

Fogg. Unluckily we don't live in the fifth story; and Mrs. Fogg 
has no cat; so the cases are not "upon all fours." 

Sen. But she has a little dog which might be made useful. 

Fogg. Sure enough, she has. He is my only rival. They are in- 
separable here; and like " Lo," the poor Indian, 

"She thinks, transported to that equal sky, 
Her faithful dog shall bear her company." 

Sen. After all, you made a prudent marriage. With good luck, 
Mrs. Fogg may still have a tidy little fortune, and the man thut 
marries money is a true disciple of Horace. You remember " Qui 
Miscuit utile et diilce" — ? 

Fogg. " He who combines business with pleasure?" 

Sen. '^ Omne tiilit punctum.'' 

Fogg. " Hits the nail on the head." I catch your idea, sir, and I 
understand the allusion to business; but I confess the pleasure is a 
vanishing quantity. 

Sen. {rising). Youeare too easily discouraged. You'll get along 
all right if you only show that you have a mind of your own. 

{Exit, R. D., had-.) 

FoGg. (solus). That African traveler has some sensible ideas in his 
head. I'll put this one in practice. 

Enter Pat, with dog. i^. 

Pat. Here we are Puffy; did you get impatient for us? 

Fogg. That dog here again? Detestable little beast! I hate 
dogs! 

Pat. " Love me, love my dog," Puffy. 

Fogg. I can't see it! When I married you I didn't marry the dog. 
I won't have him around. 

Pat. The dear creature! He went with us to the parsonage. 

Fogg. But I didn't agree to love and cherish him. There was 
nothing about him in the maniage service ! 

{picks tip dog and opens window,) 

Pat. What are you doing? 

Fogg, {faltering} y). I'm going to throw him out into the street. 

Pat. Oh, you barbarous man! Give him to me. Set him down di- 
rectly. Set HIM down! ! ! 

Fogg, {cowed). Yes dear; I w.as only in fun. A joke's a joke, you 
know. 

Pat. {caressing dog). My poor darling. 

Fogg, {aside) She's set me down again! It's a hopeless case. 
I didn't begin right. I ought to have pitched the brute out of the 
carriage- window. 

Pat. If I had dreamed you could be so cruel, I would never have 
accepted you. 

Fogg. Proposed to me, you mean ? 

Pat. Well, did I ever! 

Fogg. Yes, you did. You know it well enough. 

Pat. That I should live to hear it said that 1 ever proposed to a 
man ! 

Fogg. And then you were so afraid lest I should change my mind, 
that you hatched up a scheme to get me married before one could say 
"Jack Robmson." 



46 AN AMERICAN PASHA. 

Pat. Oh! . ^ 

Fogg. It was all contrived between you and Major Sennett. It 
was a regular put up job! 

Pat. What horrible language! 

Fogg. It was an unlawful combination between you. Except for 
my magnanimity, you might ooth be indicted for conspiracy — for con- 
spiracy, Madame. 

Pat. I am a wretched woman! 

Fogg. Of course you are! But, cheer up, my love! " Our lot is the 
common fate of all; into each life some rain must fall." I suppose 
that most people bum their fingers when they get married. That is 
why Hymen is always represented carrymg a torch! 

Pat. {crying). You are very c-cruel. 

Fogg {disgusted}. There you go again. I wish you wouldn't cry. 
I've got more cause than you have, and I don't cry. Stop it! 

Pat. I wanted to go out with you because I had something to con- 
fide to you. 

Fogg. Well, what was it? _ 

Pat. I've had a very great misfortune. 

Fogg. Oh! {Aside.) So have 11 

Pat. Y-yes; and I'm entirely ru-ruined (cr/es). 

Fogg. Mercy on us ! • 

Pat. That wicked Mr. Lee has made me lose all my money. I 
thought I wouldn't mmd it, if you didn't; but if you treat me so 
badly, I'll wish that 1 was dead! 

Fogg {relenting). Oh! come, Patty, don't take on so. If your 
money is gone, we'll have to make the best of it- 

Pat. And you will love me, anyhow? 

Fogg. Of course I will, I didn't set to work to marry you for your 
money, now, did I ? 

Pat. N-no, I suppose not. 

Fogg. Well; then, you chose me when you were rich; and now, if 
you're poor, we will try and bear it together. Dry your eyes, and 
come out into the fresh air. 

Enter Dora and Thorne, r. 

Pat. {sobbing). And you won't— object — to poor Fido coming 
along? 

Fogg {despairingly). Oh! let us have him along, by all means. 
{At door.) After you, dear — and Fido! {Exit Patience, r.) Damn 
Fido!! {Exit, r.) 

Thorne. Fido is, evidently, a bone of contention. 
Dora. Puffy gets just what he deserves. He hasn't the spirit of 
a mouse. 

Thorne {looks at watch). This is the hour of fate. The bulls and 
the bears have entered the arena, and are now tossing and tearing 
each other. {Indicator ticks; Thorne sings): 

The elephant now goes round. 

And the band begins to play; 
Those boys around the monkey's cage 

Had better keep away. 

Dora. Oh, Frank! what a madcap you are. You remind me of 
Nero, fiddling when Rome was burning. 

Thorne. If I had been there I would have played second-fiddle! 
See whether they have reached "Transcontinental " yet? 

Dora {at indicator). Yesj " Transcontinental, 65.'' 



ACT III. 47 

Thokne. Only 65? 

Do-RA {readiiiff off). 65—641^—65.' 

Thorne. 0, misery! (sings): 

I'm sixty-five — I'm sixty five; 

I'm one of the wretchedest dogs alive! 

Dora. You don't look it. 

Thorne. One might as well grin as to cry; but beneath this gay 
and frivolous exterior I hide an aching heart. {Sings): 

" For I'm called little Buttercup, sweet little Buttercup," 
And I will never say die ! What is it now ? 

Dora. Sixty-three. 

Thorne. " Make your game, gentlemen — make your game. The 
game is made. Red wins." The gentlemen who bet on black may 
go and hang themselves. What now? 

DoKA {reading). 62i^— 62M— 62. 

Thorne. The next thing will be a call for more margin. 

Dora. And can't you give them some ? 

Thorne. You talk as if it were just putting one's hand in his 
pocket for a shilling. What do you suppose the margin is in this 
case? 

Dora. I'm sure, I don't know. [Beads off.) 611^— 61^4'— 61. 

Thorne. The bottom has completely dropped out. 

Enter Clerk, r. d., back, with open message. 

Clerk. Telegram for Mr. Cortland. [Exit.) 

Thorne [reading it). " Must have a hundred thousand more mar- 
gin immediately. Brown & Adams." 

Dora. What does it mean? 

Thorne. That unless $100,000 are provided instanfer, your father 
is a bankrupt. 

Dora. Oh, Frank! What shall we do ? 

Thorne. I'm afraid the bog is too deep for us, this time. We will 
all be swallowed up. 

Dora. Poor Papa! Why isn't Major Sennett here? Can anybody 
help us? [clasping her hands.) Oh, Frank! I'll do anything for yoa; 
I'll — I'll marry you, if you'll only save dear Papa! 

Thorne. Don't try to bribe me. I'll do all that I can, without it. 
Luckily, your father and I have the same brokers. (Gives iel. signal.) 
Connect me with Brown & Adams, Wall street (listens). No, not 
Bowen & Andrews; I said Brown & Adams — B-r-o-w-n, Brown 
(pause). What do you say? No such firm on your books? That's 
perfectly absurd. (Shouting) Brown & Adams— Biown-and-Adams, 
brokers, Wall street. Can't you hear? you infatuated idiot! [turns 
way). I believe they've got a deaf mute at the switch-board. 

Dora. Let me try, Frank. I Thorne goes to desk and writes mes- 
sage hastily; Dora at tel.) Please, connect with Brown & Adams, 
brokers. Wall street (listens). Yes, that's right. 

Thorne [handing message). Please hand this to the operator, in 
the next room. 

Dora. Yes, Frank. ^ [Exit, r. d., back.) 

Thorne (solus). It looks as^though I might win a lovely wife, just 
when I shall no longer have anything to support one.. (Signal at tel. ; 
Taoix-fi^ listens.) Is this Brown & Adams? All right. You sent a 
call, just now, to John Cortland, for a hundred thousand margin (tel. 
rings). HeUo! hello! what are you about? Stop ringing that bell, 
won't you? Yes, yes, yes — I've got 'em; keep out. Central office, or 
I'll wring your neck ! [Re-enter, 'Donx. 



48 AN AMERICAN PASUA. 

Are you Mr. Brown ? I am Frank Thome. Do you recognize my 
voice? Very well. Have just telegraphed you. Place all my bonds 
and securities — all of them— to the credit of John Cortland. Do jou 
understand? Yes. Good-bye. {Rings off.) 

Eyiter Sennett, r. 

Sen. Well, the battle has gone against us, and we are routed, 
horse, foot, and dragoons. 

Dora. Oh! Major Sennett, Prank has put all his securities— just 
think! everything — to Papa's credit. 

Sen. Everything, Frank? 

Thorne. Yes, I let it all slide. 

Sen. That is too terribly reckless. 

Thornk. There's no use being a good fellow unless one s— 
£^w^«r Patience and Fogg, r. 

Dora {excited). Frank, I am proud of you. You have distinguish- 
ed yourself. And come here, sir. {Takes Tnovi.TS'E.''B hands.) You 
dear, good, kind Frank! {kisses him). 

Pat. Dora, I'm surprised! Is that the way you were brought up? 

Fogg. Do let the child alone. A kiss isn't medicine, that one 
needs to take anything after it. (Pat. and Fogg sit, i>.) 

Enter Carrie. 2 R. 

Car. Uncle wishes to know if there's any good news? 

Sen. None. {Sits, gloomily.) 

Thorne. But we expect some, shortly. 

Enter Jeff., r. 

Jeff, {hading card to Carrie). Some one to see you, Miss. {Aside 
to her). He seems dreflFul anxious. 

Sen. Who is it, Carrie? 

Car. {handing card). Mr. Lee. 

Sen. {reading). " Let me bid you farewell, Clarence." {To Jeff.) 
Request Mr. Lee to come in here. 

Jeff. If you please, sir, he was very particular to see Miss Carrie 
alone. 

Sen. Tell him that he can only see Miss Ely in the presence of her 
family. {Exit Je¥F., n.) 

Car. Oh! Major Sennett, I can not. 

Sen. Be brave, child. (Thorne goes to window, followed by Dora.) 

Pat. Hadn't we better retire. Major? 

Sen. Not at all. Stay where you are. 
Enter, Lee, 2r., who bows gravely j Cauhik stands ; Sen., Togg and 

Pat. sitting. 

Thorne {at window). 
Dora. 
Lee. Carrik. 

Sennett. 

Pat. 

Fogg. 

Lee {to Carrie). I had hoped to see you alone. 

Car. {timidly). My friends did not wish it, and — I could not have 
borne it. 

Lee. Very well. I have nothing to say that I am ashamed of. I 
am going far away. Miss Ely, never to return. I take with me many 
bitter memories, and one sweet one— the memory of your love. 



ACT HI. 49 

Cah. I loved you because I knew you not. In my ig-norance and 
trust I believed in you. In the hour that the veil dropped from my 
eyes my love perished forever. 

Lee. If I had known you earlier T had been a better man. Hence- 
forth, Hope and I are strangers. I bid you farewell. 

Sen. One moment, Mr. Lee. Do you, perchance, contemplate a 
return to E<^ypt? 

Lee. Sir! 

Sen. It was there that I first knew you — ^by reputation. At that 
time, however, you bore a different name. 

Lee {with effort). In that respect, I believe that you and I have a 
like experience. {DoTix starts, and regards i^k^sk'tt- curiously.) 

Sen. With this difference — that I made my name honorable, and 
you draofged yours in the dust. 

Lee. Let us adjourn this discussion. Do not seek to dearrade me 
in the presence of the woman I love — of the woman who has loved 
me. 

Carrie. I will goto Uncle! For any injury you have done me, Mr. 
Lee, I forgive you; and I pray that the future may bring you peace. 

{Exit, L., Lee gazes after her intentli/.) 

Sen. As you wish to take the steamer presently, I will not detain 
you long. Your steps have been closely watched, and had you not 
sought this interview, you would have been arrested ere nightfall. 

Lee {sarcastically). It appears, then, that during our intercourse, 
Major Sennett has not disdained to carry some reserve cards — in his 
sleeve ! 

Sen. So it seems. I will play an ace, presently! When you left 
the Egyptian service, yoa carried away bonds for twenty thousand 
pounds. In the name of the Khedive, I demand re.stitution. (Lee 
expresses disdain.) In your breast-pocket you have securities to a 
large amount. Please give them to me. 

Lee. I am not aware that this country has any extradition treaty 
with Egypt. 

Sen. In order to realize on those bonds in London, you committed 
a forgery (Lee starts). Here is the application for your extradition; 
{hands papers to Ler, ivho examines them, tvith violent hut suppress- 
ed excitement,) diXiA here is the warrant for your arrest. You can 
estimate your chances before the judges at Westminster. 

Lee {quietly, hut shotving extreme emotion; taking out packet and 
laying it on table. Sex. examines contents). You send me out a 
beggar: and henceforth my hand will be against every man, as your 
hand is against me. I go forth into the darkness, with rage and des- 
pair in my heart; and you, who sit here, uutempted, safe, snug and 
comfortable, will despise and hate me. 

Pat. goes to book-case; Sen. touches bell; enter Jeff., r. 

Sen. Open the door for Mr. Lee. 

Pat. {admncing). No, Mr. Lee, we don't hate you. We think you 
have slighted your opportunities dreadfully, and we pity you. I hope 
^ou'll repent, and consider your latter end (/jrt«(7s small volume). 
Please take this, "Aids to Reflection," and, maybe, it will prove a 
blessing. 

Lee {touching her shoulder). Stand aside, Madame. 

YoGG {getting before him). Have a care, sir — have a care. "The 
man who lavs his hand upon a woman, save in the way of kindness, 
is a wretch," against whom a sympathizing jury would give 
damages — heavy damages, sir! 



50 AN AMKKICAN PASHA. 

Lee. Fogg, if ever you cross my path again, there'll be one more 
attorney in the devil's dominions. Out of" my way! 

{Exit Lee, ivhirlinr/ Fogg aside, ivho is caught hy Jepp.) 

Jeff. Caught out on the f3y! 

Fogg. That was a good catch, Jeff. Here is the dollar I owed you, 
the other day. 

Jeff. Thank you, sir. {Exit, r.) 

Thorne. After all, I'm sorry for the poor devil. 

Fogg {seating himself, r.) This is the day that he has to skip. 

Thorne. If ever I have a parrot, I'm going to name him "Honesty." 

Dora. Why so, Frank? 

Thorne. Because honesty is the best Poll, I see! 

Dora {at indicator). Oh, Frank, just look here! 

Thorne. What! "Transcontinental" 66—66^^—67! Victory! 

Sen. {comes forward). Have we passed the crisis? 1 can 
hardly realize it yet. I feel confused. 

Fogg {aside). Just as I felt when I was married! 

Thorne. " Transcontinental " 70. The " Shorts " must be trying 
to cover! 

Dora. What are " Shorts," Frank? 

Thorne. They're a kind of coarse bran —sometimes used for fat- 
tening bulls ! 

Enter Cortland, l., supported by Carrie. 

Dora. Oh, Papa, we are saved ! 

CoRT. Saved! {Looks around him.) I thank you, gentlemen — I 
thank you. {Sits in arm-chair, c. front.) Dora, my child, we 
have much to be thankful for. And yet — and yet {affected) it should 
not ha.ve been a stranger's arm that upheld my tottering steps. 
Your brother should be here to-day. 

Sen. {kneeling by Cort.) Sir, forgive me, I — 
Dora {leaning over Cortland's shoulder) Oh, Papa, how blind 
we have been ! He is here ! 
CoKT. {staring at him). My own boy! (Solemnly.) Thank God! 

Dora. 
Cort. 
Carrie. Sennett. Thorne. 

FoGQ. Patience. 

{Soft music; "Home, Stveet Home.") 
CUBT AI K. 



V. 



LiBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



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